Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir-fry of fresh bok choy with garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful and immune-boosting vegetable dish. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 16 minutes pairs halved lengthwise baby bok choy, thinly sliced garlic cloves, inch, minced fresh ginger root for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 inch minced fresh ginger root, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb halved baby bok choy and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the bok choy leaves are wilted and stems are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt over the vegetables. Toss to coat evenly and cook for an additional 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Ginger Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili and Sesame?

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 Ginger Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili and Sesame?

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 Ginger Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili and Sesame 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 Ginger Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili and Sesame 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.

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