Easy Steamed Bok Choy with Garlic and Sesame Seeds

Steamed bok choy is a simple way to enjoy one of the most popular leafy vegetables used throughout Asian cooking.
It offers steady energy while remaining light and refreshing.
Gentle steaming keeps the stalks slightly crisp while making the green leaves tender.
Fresh garlic and sesame oil add savory flavor without covering up the natural taste of the bok choy.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds provides a nutty finish and subtle crunch.
Perfect as a quick vegetable side with rice, noodles, tofu, or your favorite Asian-inspired meal.

Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
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Easy Steamed Bok Choy with Garlic and Sesame Seeds

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Make this easy steamed bok choy in just 15 minutes with fresh garlic, sesame seeds, and a simple savory dressing. A quick, healthy vegetable side perfect with rice, noodles, or tofu.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 65

Ingredients Equipment Cooking Instructions Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 pound baby bok choy
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 2 scallions thinly sliced, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Black pepper to taste

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Equipment

Cuisinart Microwave Steamer

$18.99

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Vegetable Steamer

Steel Wok

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Steel Wok

Cooking Instructions

 

1. Wash the bok choy thoroughly, making sure to remove any dirt between the stalks.
2. Cut larger bok choy in half lengthwise and leave smaller pieces whole.
3. Place the bok choy in a steamer basket over simmering water.
4. Cover and steam for 4-6 minutes until the leaves are tender and the stalks remain slightly crisp.
5. Meanwhile, heat the sesame oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat.
6. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
7. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup if using, and red pepper flakes. Remove from the heat.
8. Arrange the steamed bok choy on a serving platter.
9. Spoon the warm garlic-sesame sauce evenly over the bok choy.
10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, scallions if using, and black pepper, then serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 329mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5143IUVitamin C: 53mgCalcium: 144mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Avoid oversteaming the bok choy so the stalks retain some crunch and the leaves stay bright green.
Baby bok choy works especially well because the stalks are tender and cook quickly.
Toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry skillet for a stronger nutty flavor.
Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for extra heat.
Serve with steamed rice, noodles, tofu, or vegetable stir-fry for a more complete meal.

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