Sautéed Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame Oil
A quick and vibrant stir-fry of fresh Asian greens with garlic and toasted sesame oil, perfect for a nutritious side dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs Asian greens (bok choy or choy sum), garlic cloves, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 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.
Ingredients
- 400 g Asian greens (bok choy or choy sum)
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and roughly chop 400 g Asian greens into 2-inch pieces. Peel and finely mince 4 garlic cloves.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add the chopped greens and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to wilt.
- Step 5: Pour in 3 tbsp water and 1 tbsp soy sauce, then cover and cook for 2 more minutes until greens are tender but still vibrant.
- Step 6: Remove lid, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and stir to combine. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame Oil 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 Sautéed Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame Oil?
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 garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame Oil?
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 Sautéed Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame Oil 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 Sautéed Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame Oil 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.
