Stir-fried bok choy with garlic delivers crisp, tender greens coated in fragrant garlic oil using classic Chinese wok techniques. This simple Cantonese-style vegetable dish is light, savory, and incredibly satisfying, making it a staple side dish in Chinese home cooking and restaurants alike.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese recipe
Region: Cantonese / Southern China
This garlic bok choy recipe is popular because it highlights fresh ingredients, quick cooking, and bold aroma without heavy sauces. It’s proof that simple Chinese vegetable dishes can be just as crave-worthy as meat-based mains.
WHY THIS CHINESE VEGETABLE DISH IS SO POPULAR
Stir-fried bok choy with garlic is a foundational Chinese side dish found in Cantonese restaurants worldwide. The appeal lies in its balance—crisp stems, tender leaves, and aromatic garlic infused oil. It pairs effortlessly with noodles, rice, and stir-fries while remaining healthy, low calorie, and naturally plant-based.
Because bok choy cooks quickly, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights and beginner cooks learning wok cooking. It also uses pantry staples, making it accessible and affordable.
RECIPE FOR 4 SERVINGS
This recipe serves four as a side dish and is best enjoyed immediately after cooking.
INGREDIENTS FOR STIR-FRIED BOK CHOY WITH GARLIC
Vegetables:
- Bok choy (baby bok choy or Shanghai bok choy)
Aromatics:
- Garlic
Seasonings:
- Light soy sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
- Shaoxing wine
Cooking Essentials:
- Neutral cooking oil
- Water or vegetable broth
- Optional toasted sesame oil
HOW TO MAKE STIR-FRIED BOK CHOY WITH GARLIC
- Wash bok choy thoroughly and drain well to remove grit.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add oil and swirl to coat the wok evenly.
- Add minced garlic and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.
- Add bok choy and toss quickly to coat with garlic oil.
- Splash in Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and water.
- Stir-fry until stems are crisp-tender and leaves are just wilted.
- Remove from heat, drizzle with optional sesame oil, and serve immediately.
DIETARY INFORMATION
- Naturally vegan
- Naturally dairy-free
- Low calorie
- Can be made gluten-free
Gluten-Free Substitute: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
Lower Sodium Option: Reduce soy sauce and add a splash of water
Oil-Free Option: Stir-fry with vegetable broth instead of oil
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic (Easy Chinese Side Dish)
Ingredients
- 1 lb bok choy
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth
- Optional: a few drops toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Rinse bok choy thoroughly and drain well.
- Heat wok over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add bok choy and toss quickly.
- Add Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and water.
- Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Finish with sesame oil if using and serve hot.
Notes
RECIPE TIPS & NOTES
- Dry bok choy well to prevent steaming
- Use high heat for restaurant-style texture
- Add garlic first but avoid browning
- Best served immediately
- Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated
- Add sliced chilies for a spicy variation
- Oyster sauce may replace soy sauce for a richer flavor
SERVING IDEAS
Serve this garlic bok choy alongside jasmine rice, chow mein, lo mein, kung pao chicken, sesame chicken, mapo tofu, or Chinese steamed fish. It also pairs well with noodle soups and rice bowls.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.
