Sesame-Glazed Baby Bok Choy

Sesame-Glazed Baby Bok Choy is a delightful and flavorful side dish that highlights the natural sweetness and crisp texture of baby bok choy. When cooked correctly, this dish offers crisp and tender stalks with earthy, tender leaves. The secret to perfect bok choy lies in the stir-frying method, which allows for even cooking, browning, and a delicious garlicky stir-fry sauce. Baby bok choy is the ideal choice for this recipe, as its delicate stalks cook through quickly, and halving the heads creates a beautiful presentation. The addition of toasted sesame seeds adds a pleasant crunch to the dish. This recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Let’s get started!

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 heads baby bok choy (4 ounces each), halved lengthwise
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 scallions, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE THE SAUCE: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetable broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil with minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced scallions.
2. STIR-FRY THE BABY BOK CHOY: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Place the halved baby bok choy in the skillet, cut side down, in a single layer. Cook without moving for about 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn the bok choy and cook the other side for approximately 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer the cooked bok choy to a serving platter.
3. MAKE THE GARLICKY STIR-FRY SAUCE: Add the garlic mixture to the now-empty skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant for about 20 seconds. Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and let it simmer until thickened, approximately 20 seconds.
4. COAT THE BOK CHOY WITH SAUCE: Return the cooked bok choy to the skillet and turn to coat it with the flavorful sauce for about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. SERVE THE SESAME-GLAZED BABY BOK CHOY: Transfer the bok choy back to the serving platter. Sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfectly cooked and glazed baby bok choy.

TIPS:

• Choosing Baby Bok Choy: Look for baby bok choy weighing no more than 4 ounces. If your market sells slightly larger baby bok choy, consider removing a layer or two of large outer stalks to ensure even cooking.
• Perfect Stir-Frying: For the best results, cook the baby bok choy cut side down in a hot skillet without stirring. This technique allows the bok choy to achieve a beautiful caramelized browning while maintaining its tender texture.

Sesame-Glazed Baby Bok Choy is a wonderful side dish that complements any Asian-inspired meal or adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to your plate. The tender and crisp baby bok choy, combined with the aromatic garlicky stir-fry sauce, creates a delightful medley of tastes and textures. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality baby bok choy in the comfort of your home. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy dish as a delightful addition to your meal!