Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushrooms
A quick stir-fry combining garlic, fresh chili, and earthy shiitake mushrooms to deliver a spicy, aromatic vegetable side rich in immune-supporting nutrients. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs halved lengthwise baby bok choy, sliced shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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
- 8 oz, sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1, thinly sliced fresh red chili
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry for 3 minutes until mushrooms soften and edges begin to brown.
- Step 3: Toss in 1 lb halved baby bok choy and 2 tbsp water. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bok choy stems are tender and leaves are wilted.
- Step 4: Drizzle 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1 minute until sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately as a vibrant, spicy side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushrooms take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Shiitake Mushrooms?
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 sliced shiitake mushrooms from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushrooms?
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 Shiitake Mushrooms 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.
Is Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushrooms vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.