Here’s an array of plant-based bok choy recipes that highlight this wonderfully versatile vegetable. Of all Asian greens — and there are many — bok choy is arguably the most widely known and available in western markets.
Whether the kind with the large white stalks and deep green leaves or the many sizes and types of baby bok choy, this vegetable is easy to use and easy to love with its fresh flavor and crisp texture.
In this roundup, you’ll find:
- Simple bok choy preparations
- Grilled bok choy recipes
- Bok choy stir-fries and braises
- Bok choy with noodles, rice, or quinoa
- Bok choy in soups
- Bok choy salads
What is bok choy?
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that belongs in the brassica (cruciferous) vegetable family, along with other types of cabbage, leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Of all Asian greens — and there are many — bok choy is arguably the most widely known and available in western markets. The more common form of bok choy is also known as pok choy.
In the west, we sometimes use the term bok choy somewhat generically for the larger kind, with the crisp white stalks and dark leaves, but there are several varieties of baby bok choy that have become quite widely available. See lots of tips for prep, information on varieties, nutrition, and lots more in our Guide to Bok Choy.
Easy, Delicious Bok Choy Recipes
Many of these recipes are from this site, while others were contributed by talented bloggers from around the food web. Thanks to all those who participated in this roundup for permission to use your photos and link to your recipes. You don’t have to be vegan to love these recipes!
Simple bok choy preparations
Seared Baby Bok Choy: Heres’s a delicious minimalist preparation for seared baby bok choy — so simple you need not even link to a recipe. This is a super-quick way to prepare it, showing it off in all its glory.
1 Cut each baby bok choy in half so that the widest part is exposed (leave the stem end intact).
2 Heat a shallow layer of olive oil in a large pan; when really hot, place the bok choy halves cut side down on the skillet, cover and cook over high (but not highest) heat for 3 minutes or until nicely browned.
3 Serve with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. That’s it; enjoy!
Ginger and Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Flavored with ginger and garlic, stir-fried bok choy is quick to prepare and can be served on its own or over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Easy Bok Choy Recipe: From A Cedar Spoon, here’s a preparation you can have on the table in under 10 minutes. It makes a wonderful side dish that pairs nicely with any meal.
10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy: From The Forked Spoon, a vegan side dish that promises an explosion of unexpected flavors. Crisp and tantalizing, it’s set to elevate your culinary journey with every bite.
Air Fryer Bok Choy: From Everyday Family Cooking, who writes that making bok choy in the air fryer is so easy! Made with sesame oil and garlic, it makes a perfect side dish.
Grilled Bok Choy Recipes
Simple Grilled Baby Bok Choy: From Running to the Kitchen, a simple Asian-inspired side dish great with a bowl of noodles, a curry, or any other Asian-flavored meal.
Miso Grilled Baby Bok Choy: From BBQing with the Nolands, this recipe is truly “the bomb” for flavor. It makes an excellent summer side dish and one that you will want to make again and again.
Grilled Bok Choy (with spicy sauce): From Pinch and Swirl, this spicy, sultry grilled bok choy is a vegan dish that will satisfy eaters of all persuasions.
Bok Choy Stir-Fries & Braises
Braised Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushrooms: This simple dish features two ingredients that are made for each other. Even with the prep, it takes just minutes to make. Serve this lovely side dish with Asian-style tofu or noodle dishes. It’s good on its own or over rice.
Wine and Mustard Braised Bok Choy: This simple braise is a quick, tasty side dish to serve with rice, noodles, and tofu dishes.
Stir-Fried Tofu and Bok Choy: This quick tofu and bok choy stir-fry uses two of my favorite shortcuts — a richly-flavored teriyaki marinade and squeeze-bottle ginger.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms is a quick, tasty recipe to serve on its own or over rice or quinoa.
Ginger Scallion Bok Choy: From Debra Klein, this easy recipe is super flavorful and takes just 10 minutes to make. Veggie side dishes that go well with everything, like this one, are perfect for weeknight meals and a tasty way to get more greens in!
Bok choy with noodles, rice, or quinoa
Hoisin-Ginger Udon Noodles: Featuring plenty of bok choy, this is a quick plant-based dish with a minimum of ingredients and great flavor. Best of all, it’s ready in minutes.
Hoisin-Flavored Bok Choy with Tofu & Noodles: Here’s a quick, flavorful dish of bok choy with tofu, flavored with hoisin sauce and orange that you can make with your favorite variety of long noodles.
Bok Choy Stir-Fry: From In the Kitch, a vegan stir fry loaded with bok choy and other vegetables, plus a delicious sauce.
Gingery Bok Choy Fried Rice is an easy recipe filled with colorful vegetables. Use whatever type of bok choy you prefer — this dish works well with any variety.
Quinoa and Asparagus with Baby Bok Choy: It’s a plant-powered pilaf that you can also enjoy serving cold or at room temperature, as a salad.
Bok Choy in Soups
Vegan Ramen with Rice Noodles, Tofu, and Vegetables: From Happy Kitchen Rocks, vegan ramen that’s easy to make, full of flavor and deeply satisfying. Pan-fried tofu, fresh bok choy, rich mushrooms, carrots, and spinach round off a sensational rich broth.
Vegan Phở: Another from Happy Kitten Rocks, an easier, completely plant-based version of the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. This nourishing and flavorful gluten-free and fat-free soup is perfect for any season!
Bok Choy Soup with Garlic and Ginger: From The Daily Dish, a rich broth made with dried shiitake mushrooms, miso, garlic and ginger is the base for this comforting soup. Add udon noodles, woodland mushrooms, bok choy, and tofu for a warm, nourishing meal.
Gingery Miso Mushroom Bok Choy Soup with Silken Tofu is a light yet satisfying way to warm up most any time of year.
Red Lentil and Baby Bok Choy Soup: From Jazzy Vegetarian Laura Theodore, a robust soup with delicate flavors that you can adjust to suit your family’s tastes.
Bok choy salads
Bok Choy and Red Cabbage Salad with Snow Peas: In this colorful bok choy salad recipe, the combination of crisp snow peas, bok choy, sprouts, and red cabbage is so appealing, and it’s a feast for the eyes, too.
Kale and Cabbage Salad with Baby Corn and Bok Choy: This colorful salad is especially good with the napa variety, but the other green cabbages work as well. Bok choy and baby corn give it a special touch.
Bok Choy and Daikon Salad with Greens & Oranges: Here’s a lively accompaniment to many types of stir-fries and noodle dishes, featuring tender greens and sprouts.
Bok Choy Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing: From Running to the Kitchen, a crispy and crunchy salad with a tangy Asian-inspired sesame soy dressing.
Spring Grain Bowls with Edamame, Bok Choy, and Oranges: These bountiful spring grain bowls serve up a variety of fresh flavors and textures. You’ll love the burst of sweetness provided by juicy orange sections.
Orange and Watercress Salad with Bok Choy (or Belgian Endive): This festive salad featuring watercress and cucumber has a lively citrus flavor provided by fresh oranges and their juice.
Purple Daikon Salad with Golden Beets and Bok Choy: With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy this vivid salad. Crunchy and colorful, it’s pulled together with sesame-ginger dressing.
Bok Choy Salad with Apple and Carrot: I love a good bok choy salad like this one, featuring bursts of sweet apple and crunchy carrot, all tied together with sesame ginger dressing.
More bok choy recipes
Bok Choy Pesto with Cilantro: From Family Spice, an excellent Asian fusion pesto sauce perfect for a dip or to serve with pasta.
Easy Green Cabbage Kimchi (with Bok Choy): From Attainable Sustainable, fermenting cabbage, bok choy, carrots, and daikon creates a probiotic kimchi that can be served alongside various dishes. Make it spicy or mild.
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