Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shrimp Paste

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick vegetable stir-fry featuring tender bok choy and savory shrimp paste, perfect for weeknight meals. This asian-inspired asian ready in about 15 minutes pairs heads trimmed bok choy, shrimp paste, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 5 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 120 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 heads bok choy, cut into 2-inch pieces, and stir-fry for 4 minutes until edges are slightly charred and leaves wilted.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp shrimp paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp sesame oil; cook 1 minute until shrimp paste dissolves and aromas meld.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately while bok choy is still crisp-tender.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shrimp Paste take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Bok Choy with Shrimp Paste?

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 heads trimmed bok choy from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shrimp Paste?

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 Bok Choy with Shrimp Paste 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 Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Shrimp Paste?

Asian asian 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes