Learn How to Cook Bok Choy and Elevate your Greens Game

As food lovers and cooking enthusiasts, we are always on the lookout for new and exciting ingredients to experiment with in the kitchen. Bok choy is one such ingredient that we have come to love and appreciate for its versatility and unique flavour. 

You will typically find bok choy either as baby or large mature stalks. It surely makes a crunchy addition to a fresh salad, but cooking it adds a bit more flavour to it. In this article, we will share with you some of the best ways to cook bok choy, including stir-frying, steaming, microwaving, and other simple cooking techniques.

Let’s get to it.

How to Prepare Bok Choy Before Cooking

When you buy your bok choy, make sure the leaves are nice and bright green in colour. The stalks should be off-white or pale yellow in colour, depending on the variety you find. Do not pick some with brown spots or with wilted leaves. If you aren’t cooking it on the same day, do not wash your bok choy before putting it away in the refrigerator. This way, it will keep fresh for up to 5 days. 

Preparing Baby Bok Choy

If you have baby bok choy, it is easy to prepare as you can eat it whole. However, you can still cut it if you prefer. Start by running a tap of cold water and rinsing your bok choy. You can also plunge it into a bowl of cold water a few times. Go on and shake off the excess moisture - if you cut it, make sure you also get rid of moisture on the inside after cutting. This is especially important if you'll be stir-frying. Whole bok choy is good for stews and braises. 

Preparing Large Bok Choy

Again, wash and dry your leaves and stalks thoroughly. Cut away the leafy sections and layer them on top of each other. Cut crosswise into thin strips. Take the stalks and cut them into smaller pieces, about an inch in size. Make sure not to include the root, so leave out the bottom inch. You can use these stalks in soups and stews.

Can bok choy be frozen?

Yes, Bok Choy can be frozen. Freezing this vegetable can be an effective way to preserve it if you have a surplus and want to save it for later use.

Here's a simple method for freezing Bok Choy:

1. Wash the Bok Choy thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.
2. Cut off the base of the Bok Choy and separate the leaves.
3. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for around 1-2 minutes. This helps to preserve the color, texture, and flavor of the vegetable.
4. Quickly cool the Bok Choy by placing it in ice water after blanching. This stops the cooking process.
5. Pat the Bok Choy dry to remove as much moisture as possible. This can help to prevent freezer burn.
6. Pack the Bok Choy in freezer bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers to maintain quality.
7. Store in the freezer. Frozen Bok Choy can be kept for around 9-12 months.

When you're ready to use the Bok Choy, you can add it directly from the freezer to your cooking without the need to thaw it first. This works well for recipes such as stir-fries or soups. However, please note that the texture may change slightly upon freezing, and it might not be as crisp as fresh Bok Choy.

How to Cook Bok Choy the Simple Way

Cooking bok choy doesn't have to be complicated, and sometimes the simplest methods are the best. To cook bok choy simply, start by washing the leaves and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Next, heat up a pan with some oil and sauté the bok choy for 2-3 minutes until it's wilted but still has a little bit of crunch. Season with some salt and pepper and serve as a side dish or with some quinoa. 

How to Cook Bok Choy in Stir Fry

When it comes to cooking bok choy in a stir fry, the key is to make sure that the leaves and stems are cooked evenly and not overcooked. To do this, start by heating up a wok or a large frying pan on high heat, then add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the bok choy stems first and stir-fry them for a minute or two until they start to soften. Next, add the bok choy leaves and continue to stir-fry until they are wilted but still retain their vibrant green colour. To finish, season with some soy sauce and sesame oil and serve immediately. Bok choy goes well with fluffy white rice or yummy noodles. 

How to Cook Bok Choy Steamed

Steaming bok choy is another great way to cook this leafy green vegetable. Steaming helps to retain its delicate flavour and texture. Start by washing the leaves and separating the stems from the leaves. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket on top. Once it starts boiling, place the bok choy stems in the steamer basket and steam them for 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften. Next, add the bok choy leaves on top of the stems and steam for another 1-2 minutes until they are wilted. Finish off by seasoning with some salt and pepper and serve as a side dish to a chicken recipe or any quick Sunday lunch.

How to Cook Bok Choy in Microwave

If you're short on time and want to cook bok choy quickly and conveniently, microwaving is an excellent option. To microwave bok choy, as always, start by washing the leaves, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a little bit of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the bok choy is tender and cooked through. Finish off by draining any excess water and season with some garlic powder and olive oil. This would be a great addition to a meatless meal.

How to Add More Flavour to Your Bok Choy

Fresh ginger, sliced green onions and minced garlic add immense flavour to bok choy, especially when you stir-fry it. Lightly fry the ingredients and add your bok choy. Adding a sauce once it’s cooked also enhances the flavour. You will surely enjoy an Asian-inspired meal if you add a combination of vegetable broth, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar and chilli flakes as sauce to your bok choy and noodles. 

More Flavourful Ways to Serve Bok Choy

Bok choy is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be cooked and served in many different ways. If you like to experiment with your food, the recipes below will allow you to show your creative side. They are simple to make yet so appetising. Enjoy!

Slow Roasted Adobo Chicken with Bok Choy

In this recipe, the chicken is marinated in adobo sauce for at least an hour, then roasted in the oven until golden and crispy. The bok choy is blanched and served alongside the chicken, creating a delicious and balanced meal.

https://www.tastelist.com.au/tv/K9HU3K1dyw

Homemade Wombok Salad 

This homemade wombok salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Made with bok choy, carrot, bean sprouts, and cooked corn, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavour. 

Easy Shrimp Pho

Shrimp pho is a delicious and comforting Vietnamese soup that's perfect for any weeknight meal. Made with rice noodles, flavourful broth, tender shrimp, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, this dish comes together quickly and easily. Top it with fresh herbs, lime juice, and bean sprouts for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy with Bacon

This is a simple Thai dish that can be easily served as a weeknight dinner. Serve it with some jasmine or basmati rice as a starch. 

Garlic and Ginger Fish with Bok Choy

This garlic and ginger fish with bok choy is a delicious and healthy meal that's quick and easy to prepare. The fish is marinated in a delicious mixture of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sugar, then pan-seared until crispy and tender.