Spicy Baby Bok Choy

This spicy baby bok choy is seared in a very hot skillet until golden brown & wilted, then tossed in a spicy, delicious sauce. I found this easy spicy baby bok choy recipe on the Culinary Scientist site and adapted it by adding a little bit of minced lemongrass. I love how healthy, flavorful, and delicious this side dish is, and it pairs nicely with easy sesame chicken, Szechuan chicken, and Korean flanken short ribs.

Spicy Baby Bok Choy

Sauce:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable broth or chicken broth
• ½ tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ tbsp toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp honey
• ⅛-¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Bok Choy:

• ½ lb. baby bok choy, quartered lengthwise, cleaned & dried
• 4 tsp vegetable oil, divided
• 2 tbsp green onion, green & white parts, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• ½ tsp lemongrass, minced
• ¼ tsp toasted sesame seeds
• Pinch of black sesame seeds, optional

How to Make Spicy Baby Bok Choy:

Prepare the spicy sauce by whisking the soy sauce, vegetable broth, vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, honey, and red chili flakes in a small dish until well combined. Set aside until needed.

Cook the bok choy by heating 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet until just smoking.

Add the quartered bok choy, cut side down, in a single layer in the large skillet, and lightly press down to make contact with the hot skillet.

Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, until golden. Flip the bok choy and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Remove from the skillet and place on a plate.

Cook the sauce by heating the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in the hot skillet over medium-high heat, then add the green onions, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.

Add the well-whisked sauce and simmer for about 30-45 seconds until thickened.

Return the bok choy to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Place the bok choy on a serving platter, then drizzle with the remaining sauce.

Serve immediately. Enjoy.