Garlic Pak Choi

This Garlic Pak Choi is a quick and flavorful side dish that brings restaurant-style Chinese cooking right into your kitchen. Featuring crisp-tender pak choi coated in a garlicky, savory sauce with a hint of chilli heat, this dish comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s the perfect pairing for any Asian-inspired main or a simple meal when served over rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pak choi recipe is all about bold flavor and simplicity. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a great go-to when you need something healthy and satisfying on the table fast. The combination of garlic, soy sauces, and optional chili creates an irresistible umami-packed glaze that complements the natural sweetness and crunch of pak choi. Plus, it works with a variety of Asian greens, so it’s super flexible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 5–6 pak choi (bok choy) or substitute with choy sum, napa cabbage, or other Asian greens

• 5–6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 tbsp regular soy sauce or light soy sauce

• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (adds color and depth)

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce or hoisin sauce

• 1 tsp cornstarch or potato starch

• 5–6 tbsp water

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1–2 tbsp cooking oil (sunflower, peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)

Directions

1. Prep the pak choi: Rinse thoroughly under water. Slice into quarters lengthwise (or halves if using baby pak choi). Rinse again to remove any trapped dirt.

2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauces, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.

3. Blanch the pak choi: Bring a large pot or wok of water to a boil. Hold the leafy ends and dip the stems into the boiling water for 10–15 seconds. Then fully submerge and boil for another 5–10 seconds.

4. Drain: Immediately strain and shake out excess water. Set aside on a strainer or paper towels to dry slightly.

5. Cook the aromatics: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add cooking oil and sauté the chopped garlic for a few seconds. Add the chopped chili (if using) and continue to cook until the garlic turns light golden brown. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the garlic and chili mixture and reserve for garnish.

6. Make the sauce: In the same pan, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

7. Serve: Place the blanched pak choi on a serving plate. Pour the thickened garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with the reserved garlic and chili mixture. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use hoisin sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce instead of oyster sauce.

• Extra Spicy: Add more red chili or a drizzle of chili oil over the top before serving.

• Different Greens: Use choy sum, gai lan, or even spinach if pak choi is unavailable.

• Milder Version: Skip the chili altogether for a garlicky but non-spicy side.

• Nutty Finish: Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warm. The texture of the greens may soften slightly upon reheating.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the pak choi will become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can blanch the pak choi and prepare the sauce separately in advance. Assemble and heat just before serving for best results.

What’s the best substitute for pak choi?

Choy sum, napa cabbage, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), or baby spinach are good alternatives.

Can I use garlic paste instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh chopped garlic is best for flavor and texture, but garlic paste can be used in a pinch.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy if you include the red chili. You can omit it for a milder version.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, it pairs well with tofu, shrimp, or sliced chicken stir-fried and mixed in with the sauce.

How do I keep the pak choi from getting soggy?

Don’t over-boil it. Quick blanching followed by proper draining helps retain its crisp texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free version of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed at room temperature in a salad or grain bowl.

What should I serve with garlic pak choi?

Serve it as a side to rice, noodles, grilled meats, tofu, or dumplings.

Can I double the sauce for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Just adjust seasoning and thickness as needed when scaling up.

Conclusion

Garlic Pak Choi is a fast, flavorful, and healthy side dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. With its vibrant garlic sauce and crisp-tender greens, it adds a burst of savory satisfaction to any meal. Whether served alongside rice, noodles, or your favorite protein, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen for quick, delicious Asian-inspired meals.

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