How to Make Bok Choy and Cabbage Stir Fry

Recipe by The FruitGuys

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy side dish that’s full of flavor, this bok choy and cabbage stir fry is a must-try. Crisp and tender with a touch of sesame goodness, it’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal. It comes together with just a few ingredients and in less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Try it as a weekday lunch or part of a light dinner. Let’s dive in!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound bok choy (or other Asian greens like tatsoi)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 pound Savoy or Napa cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
• ¼ teaspoon salt

PREPARATION

1. Heat the Pan: Place a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly.
2. Add Oil and Garlic: Swirl the vegetable oil down the side of the wok to coat it evenly. Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir-Fry Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage along with the salt. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes or until the cabbage begins to soften.
4. Cook Bok Choy: Add the bok choy to the wok and continue to stir-fry for another 4 minutes or until the stems are crisp-tender.
5. Finish with Sesame: Drizzle the stir-fried vegetables with sesame oil and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serves 4. Prep time, 5 minutes; cook time, 8 minutes.

COOK’S NOTES

• If you like it spicy, add some sliced red chili or a pinch of red chili flakes when adding the garlic.
• For a stronger sesame flavor, you can increase the sesame oil to 1 tablespoon, but add it gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Pair this dish with steamed rice, noodles, or alongside a protein of your choice for a more filling meal.

For more recipe ideas, check our recipe library!

FAQs

1. How do you prepare bok choy for a stir-fry?

Cut off the base of the bok choy and separate the stalks. Rinse each stalk under running water to remove dirt. For stir-frying, chop the thicker stems into bite-sized pieces and slice the leaves into strips. If you’re using baby bok choy, you can simply halve or quarter it.

2. Is bok choy as healthy as cabbage?

Yes! Both bok choy and cabbage are nutrient-rich. Bok choy is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. Cabbage also has vitamins C and K, plus fiber. So, both are healthy choices—just a bit different in taste and texture.

3. How do you wash bok choy for a stir-fry?

Rinse the bok choy under cold water, focusing on the base where dirt tends to collect. Make sure to pat it dry before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture in the wok.