Spicy Garlic and Orange Stir-Fried Greens

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

A vibrant stir-fry of leafy greens with garlic and a bright orange sauce that supports sinus clearing during a cold. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 18 minutes pairs baby bok choy, halved, garlic cloves, minced, fresh orange juice 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 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: 8 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz halved baby bok choy to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until leaves are wilted and stalks are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil. Stir-fry together for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the greens.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt, toss once more, then serve immediately to help relieve congestion and add vitamin C.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Garlic and Orange Stir-Fried Greens take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Spicy Garlic and Orange Stir-Fried Greens?

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, halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Garlic and Orange Stir-Fried Greens?

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 Spicy Garlic and Orange Stir-Fried Greens 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.

What goes well with Spicy Garlic and Orange Stir-Fried Greens?

Asian stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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