Sautéed Bok Choy with Garlic and Sesame Oil

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

Quickly sautéed tender baby bok choy with garlic and toasted sesame oil for a simple side bursting with fresh, nutty flavor. This Chinese-inspired healthy bowl recipe (gluten free, vegan), ready in about 12 minutes, pairs baby bok choy, garlic cloves, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 2 Chinese cuisine 90 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb halved baby bok choy to the skillet, arranging cut sides down. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes until the edges begin to crisp.
  4. Step 4: Toss the bok choy and add 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a flavorful green vegetable side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Bok Choy with Garlic and Sesame Oil 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 Sautéed Bok Choy 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 baby bok choy from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Bok Choy 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 Bok Choy with Garlic and Sesame Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Bok Choy with Garlic and Sesame Oil gluten free?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes