Garlic-Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir-fry of tender bok choy with garlic and chili flakes, finished with toasted sesame for a flavorful and nourishing side dish. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian, gluten free) 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 90 calories and feeds 4, 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: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound halved baby bok choy and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the leaves are wilted and stems are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 1 tablespoon soy sauce over the bok choy and toss for another minute to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately as a vibrant vegetable side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Sesame 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-Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with 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-Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with 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-Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Chili Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Sesame vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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