Garlic-Scallion Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili Flakes

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

A quick stir-fry of tender bok choy with fragrant garlic, scallions, and a hint of chili to open sinuses and nourish the body. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs halved lengthwise baby bok choy, thinly sliced garlic cloves, chopped into 1-inch pieces scallions 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: 7 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 pound halved baby bok choy, stirring constantly to coat with oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the leaves begin to wilt and the stems are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 chopped scallions, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a light, refreshing side to support respiratory health during a cold.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Scallion Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 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-Scallion Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili Flakes?

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-Scallion Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili Flakes?

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-Scallion Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili Flakes 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-Scallion Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Chili Flakes 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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