Garlic Sesame Bok Choy: Recipe

Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is known for its mild flavor and versatility in cooking. It can be enjoyed raw, steamed, sautéed, grilled, or added to soups and stir-fries. Here’s a delightful and easy-to-prepare recipe for Garlic Sesame Bok Choy that showcases its crisp texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium heads of bok choy, cleaned and cut into quarters lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, can use hoisin sauce as a vegetarian alternative)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Start by cleaning the bok choy thoroughly as dirt can be trapped near the base of the stems. Pat dry with a towel.
2. Sauté Garlic: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook Bok Choy: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the bok choy and toss for about 3-4 minutes until the leaves start to wilt and the stems are crisp-tender. Season with salt if needed.
4. Add Sauces: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the bok choy in the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
5. Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry again and then pour it into the skillet. Toss the bok choy for another minute until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the bok choy well.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and optional red pepper flakes over the top.
7. Serve: Serve immediately as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Preparation Variations:

• Grilled Bok Choy: Brush the bok choy with oil and grill on medium-high heat until charred and tender, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drizzle with a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of honey.
• Bok Choy Stir-Fry: Cut the bok choy into smaller pieces and stir-fry with other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add tofu or meat as protein, and finish with a stir-fry sauce.
• Steamed Bok Choy: Steam the bok choy until tender, about 5-6 minutes, and then drizzle with a sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
• Bok Choy Salad: Use raw, chopped bok choy as the base for a salad. Combine with carrots, cucumbers, and a sesame dressing.
• Bok Choy in Soup: Add chopped bok choy to broths or soups during the last few minutes of cooking to retain some crunch.

This Garlic Sesame Bok Choy recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it an amazing way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.