Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Honey Glaze
A quick stir-fry of crisp bok choy with garlic and chili, finished with a touch of honey for a flavorful side that supports immune health. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 12 minutes pairs halved lengthwise baby bok choy, thinly sliced garlic cloves, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, halved lengthwise baby bok choy
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp, low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb halved baby bok choy, tossing to coat in oil and spices; stir-fry for 2 minutes until edges begin to wilt.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp water, cover skillet, and steam bok choy for 2 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Remove lid, drizzle 1 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce over bok choy, toss quickly to glaze evenly and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Step 6: Serve immediately as a vibrant, healthful side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Honey Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Honey Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Honey Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Honey Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Honey Glaze?
Chinese stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.