Stir-Fried Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame

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

A quick stir-fry of tender regional Asian greens with fragrant garlic and toasted sesame for a vibrant and healthy side dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 13 minutes pairs ounces, halved lengthwise baby bok choy, thinly sliced garlic cloves, tablespoons vegetable oil 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: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 ounces halved baby bok choy and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the greens are bright and stems are just tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook another 1-2 minutes until flavors meld and bok choy is cooked through but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 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 Stir-Fried Asian Greens with Garlic and 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 Stir-Fried Asian Greens with Garlic and 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 Stir-Fried Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame 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 Stir-Fried Asian Greens with Garlic and Sesame 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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