Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is here to save the day! It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender mushrooms and crisp bok choy tossed in a gingery, garlicky brown sauce brings comfort to any table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish over rice or as a delightful side at family gatherings.

This stir fry is not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty on the table fast. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet satisfying, making it appealing for both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the ingredients ahead of time and enjoy a speedy dinner on those hectic nights.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; it pairs beautifully with many meals.
• Healthful Ingredients: Packed with veggies and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free choice that tastes indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you will need:

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular oyster sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Stir Fry

• 1 lb baby bok choy (cut to large bite-size pieces)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 lb brown mushrooms (halved or quartered if too big)
• 4 dried Chinese chili peppers
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 thumb ginger (minced)
• 2 green onions (sliced)

Variations

This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Add tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost; simply cube them and sauté until golden.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
• Change the sauce: Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or hoisin for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more chili peppers or some chili paste to kick up the spice level.

How to Make Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients—water, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, cornstarch, and additional water. This step is crucial because combining these flavors beforehand ensures they meld perfectly when added later.

Step 2: Prepare the Slurry

In another small bowl, combine the slurry ingredients by mixing together cornstarch and water until fully blended. This mixture will help thicken your stir fry sauce later on.

Step 3: Steam the Bok Choy

Heat 1/4 cup of water in a large skillet over medium-high heat until boiling. Add the baby bok choy along with a pinch of salt. Cover and steam for about 30 seconds. Uncover and stir before covering again for another 30 seconds until softened. This step keeps your bok choy vibrant and crisp!

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

Wipe down your skillet to remove any excess water then add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over high heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms without stirring for about one minute to get that lovely sear. Flip them over after that time and continue cooking until browned—this helps develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Move your seared mushrooms to one side of the pan. On the other side, pour in another half tablespoon of oil along with dried chili peppers, minced garlic, ginger, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together until fragrant—the aroma will be heavenly!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Pour your prepared sauce into the pan with all the ingredients. Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds before adding your slurry mixture from earlier. This is where magic happens! As it thickens up beautifully, give everything a good mix before transferring it all onto a serving plate.

And there you have it! A vibrant and flavorful Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry that will brighten up any meal! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

Creating a delicious stir fry is all about timing and technique, and with these handy tips, you’ll be whipping up this dish like a pro in no time!

• Prep Everything First: Make sure to chop all your ingredients before you start cooking. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and prevents any last-minute scrambling.

• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps to sear the mushrooms and bok choy quickly, locking in their natural flavors while giving them a delightful crispness.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing, which affects the texture.

• Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste. Adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can bring an exciting twist!

• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove when it’s hot and the vegetables are still crisp. It makes for a vibrant and enticing presentation.

How to Serve Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

Serving this stir fry is just as important as making it! With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, you’ll want to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor that complements the earthy notes of the mushrooms.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nice crunch and deepen the nutty profile of the dish.
• Sliced Red Chili: For those who love a kick, thinly sliced red chili peppers can add both visual appeal and extra heat.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the stir fry, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing balances out the savory flavors of the stir fry while adding crunch.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with fresh veggies make for a delightful contrast to the tender bok choy and mushrooms.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter, enhancing your meal experience with its umami richness.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry! It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition—perfect for any day of the week!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, so it’s ready to enjoy during your busy week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stir fry to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

• Let the stir fry cool down entirely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store portions.
• Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you with your Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry!

Can I substitute other vegetables in Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or replace vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a variety of flavors and textures.

How can I make this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your vegetarian oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of dried in this recipe?

Yes, using fresh ginger is encouraged as it enhances the flavor profile beautifully. Just mince it finely!

How long does it take to prepare Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry?

The total time for preparation and cooking is about 23 minutes, making it great for a quick weekday dinner.

What can I serve with Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry?

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. Feel free to experiment with different grains as a base!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this comforting Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry as much as I do! It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare — perfect for those busy nights when you crave something satisfying yet healthy. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful aromas!