Super Simple Bok Choy
One of our family favourites is bok choy. I use it in soups, stews, and frequently serve it as a side. It barely needs to be cooked and is loaded with nutrient rich vitamins and minerals. It’s a great choice for getting a good dose of vitamin C, vitamin A and calcium. Bok choy also contains glucosinolates, which studies have shown may help prevent cancer.
Super Simple Bok Choy
Serves 2 as a main, 4 as a side
- 4 bunches bok choy
- 2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove grated garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Handful chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp mirin, or to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp peanut oil
- Black sesame seeds to garnish
Wash the bok choy and drain. Cut bottom part of stem off bok choy and slice in half lengthwise. – cut in half again if very large.
Heat wok (or large fry pan) and add oils. When oil is heated, add ginger and garlic and stir-fry briefly, for about 30 seconds – just until you can smell the garlic and ginger. Add the bok choy (still wet). Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and cilantro, and cook stirring continually on high heat for 2 minutes (I like to use two wooden spoons and toss like a salad). Turn off heat, cover and let sit for 1 minute. Should still be crisp tender.
YUM!
Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
TIPS – Serve with noodles or rice and tofu as a main. Use baby bok choy for a sweeter taste, but double the quantities.
If you like spice, Li Ju An Dipping Sauce is awesome served on the side!
what is mirin and where do I get it?
Hi Margie, good question!
Mirin is a Japanese rice wine that has been cooked down to enhance it’s sweetness. I like to use it to mellow out and balance the salty taste that soy sauce can sometimes offer, especially with delicate flavours like bok choy.
You are probably most familiar with mirin when you have sushi… they put a little on the rice to balance the strength of the fishy taste.
You can find mirin in most grocery stores in the Asian food section. I’ve purchased it at Fortino’s, Marilou’s and Metro to name a few.
Thanks for your question, I hope that helps!
Happy cooking,
Lisa
Hi Margie, good question!
Mirin is a Japanese rice wine that has been cooked down to enhance it’s sweetness. I like to use it to mellow out and balance the salty taste that soy sauce can sometimes offer, especially with delicate flavours like bok choy.
You are probably most familiar with mirin when you have sushi… they put a little on the rice to balance the strength of the fishy taste.
You can find mirin in most grocery stores in the Asian food section. I’ve purchased it at Fortino’s, Marilou’s and Metro to name a few.
Thanks for your question, I hope that helps!
Happy cooking,
Lisa