Stir-Fried Shanghai Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger

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

Bright, crisp bok choy stir-fried with aromatic garlic and ginger, finished with a splash of soy for a simple side. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, julienned fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 60 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: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 60 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp julienned fresh ginger to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound halved Shanghai bok choy and toss quickly to coat with the aromatic oil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the greens are bright and the stems tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 tbsp light soy sauce, sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of white pepper, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds to evenly distribute seasoning.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a fresh, vibrant side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shanghai Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger 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 Shanghai Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shanghai Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger?

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 Shanghai Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger 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 Shanghai Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger 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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