Garlic mushroom bok choy stir-fry is a fast and flavorful dish that brings together tender-crisp bok choy, savory mushrooms, and aromatic garlic in a light, umami-packed sauce. It’s a simple recipe I love turning to when I want something healthy, comforting, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this stir-fry is light yet satisfying, making it perfect as a side or a plant-based main. It’s quick to cook, full of texture, and loaded with flavor from just a few ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile—I can enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bok choy (baby or regular, chopped)
- Mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button, sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Cooking oil (neutral, like vegetable or canola)
- Fresh ginger (optional, grated)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Directions
- I clean and chop the bok choy, separating the stems and leaves so they cook evenly.
- I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- I sauté the garlic (and ginger if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- I add the mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until they’re browned and tender.
- I toss in the bok choy stems first and cook for a couple of minutes before adding the leafy parts.
- I drizzle in soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil, stirring everything together until the bok choy is just wilted but still bright.
- I remove it from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if I want a little extra flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2–3 servings as a main or 4 servings as a side. It takes around 15 minutes from prep to plate, which makes it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Variations
Sometimes I add tofu or tempeh for more protein, or I toss in sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color. I’ve also used hoisin or oyster sauce in place of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter profile. For a low-carb meal, I’ll serve it as-is or with cauliflower rice.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use a skillet over medium heat or a microwave. I usually add a splash of water to help re-steam the bok choy and keep it from drying out. I don’t recommend freezing—it’s best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
What kind of mushrooms work best in this stir-fry?
I usually go with shiitake or cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but button mushrooms work well too.
Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?
Yes, I just slice the stems thinner and cook them a bit longer so they’re tender.
Is this dish vegan?
It is if I stick to soy sauce and avoid fish-based sauces like oyster sauce. I always check labels to be sure.
How do I keep the bok choy from getting soggy?
I cook the stems first and add the leaves last to avoid overcooking. I also keep the heat high so everything stir-fries quickly.
Can I serve this with rice or noodles?
Absolutely. I love it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even soba noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Garlic mushroom bok choy stir-fry is one of my go-to dishes when I want something fresh, flavorful, and fast. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrition, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I enjoy it on its own or serve it as a side, it’s always a hit in my kitchen.
Print
Garlic Mushroom Bok Choy Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings (main) / 4 servings (side)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender bok choy, savory mushrooms, and aromatic garlic in a light, umami-rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bok choy (baby or regular), chopped (stems and leaves separated)
- 2 cups mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Clean and chop the bok choy, separating stems and leaves for even cooking.
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the garlic and optional ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and cook 3–4 minutes until browned and tender.
- Add bok choy stems and cook for 2 minutes, then add the leaves.
- Drizzle in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring until bok choy is just wilted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
- Stir in bell peppers or carrots for more crunch and color.
- Use hoisin or oyster sauce in place of soy sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
