ORIENTAL GRILLED BOKCHOY
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Oriental Grilled Bok Choy is one of the healthiest and easiest sides that you may want to make this Thanksgiving. Slathered with a spicy Asian vinaigrette and grilled to perfection, this recipe might change the way you looked at Bok Choy.
Often dismissed as too mainstream, Bok Choy is rarely included in the holiday buffets. But, this wonderful grilled Bok Choy recipe is a winner. The mild bitterness of the bok choy is highlighted with the hot and sweet flavor of the vinaigrette.
WHAT IS BOK CHOY?
Bok Choy is most commonly associated with Asian cuisine. Also referred to as pak choi, bok choi, or Pak Choy, it is a dark, leafy, cruciferous vegetable just like cabbage. It is packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but is very low in calories and carbohydrates. Hence, it is a great addition to soups, stir-fries, and other Asian recipes.
IS BOK CHOY GOOD FOR US?
Bok choy is an excellent source of vitamin C, K, A, and beta-carotene. It also contains folate, calcium, vitamin B6, and Omega-3s. As a result, it is known to promote bone health and heart health. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, thus it has anti-inflammatory properties too.
WHICH PART OF BOK CHOY IS EDIBLE?
Bok Choy has a round tender white bulb on the bottom with long celery looking stalks and dark leafy greens on top. The entire vegetable is edible.
HOW DOES BOK CHOY TASTE?
The stalks are much like celery though they are crunchy and juicy. The leaves are similar to lettuce with a slightly bitter mineral flavor.
ABOUT THIS RECIPE
You can make the Oriental Grilled Bok Choy on an outdoor charcoal grill, gas grill, or a simple grilling pan as I did. The recipe is easy, but one needs to be cautious not to burn the whole thing because bok choy cooks really fast. Maintain medium-high heat and keep everything handy when you are ready to cook.
The heart of this recipe is the sauce or vinaigrette. I like to call this Oriental because it is flavored with South Asian condiments and spices.
The sauce is simple to prepare. Just slather the bok choy with the sauce and grill until a little charred to have the most delicious version of bok choy ever.
INGREDIENTS
Bok Choy - You may use large or baby bok choy whatever you get. Just make sure that the leaves are firm and fresh. Wilted bok choy often results in a watery, stringy mass that you want to avoid.
Spices & Condiments - You will need Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, black pepper, and salt.
HOW TO MAKE IT?
Heat the grill pan and brush it with oil or simply spray some oil.
Prepare the sauce by mixing sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, black pepper, and salt.
Cut the bok choy to halves lengthwise, slather with the sauce, and grill until somewhat charred.
Serve immediately.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to play around with the flavorings in the vinaigrette. For example, switch up the sweet chili sauce with Sriracha or pesto or chimichurri.
You may sprinkle some roasted sesame seeds for a crunch or maybe some pine nuts or simply chili flakes.
You may use herbs or Cajun mix or Creole Spice to flavor the bok choy.
You may also chop some garlic and grill with the bok choy, the possibilities are endless!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I buy bok choy?
For this recipe, you can both large bok choy and baby bok choy. You will find it at any Asian grocery store or at grocery stores that carry specialty items like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s.
Is bok choy healthier than spinach?
The same amount of bok choy contains more vitamin C, vitamin A, and some other nutrients than spinach and around the same amount of calcium. Spinach, however, contains higher amounts of some other nutrients, including vitamin K, than bok choy.
How long does bok choy keep fresh in the fridge?
Clean and pat dry bok choy and place in a bag. Place the bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. The bok choy should be fresh for about five to six days.
How long does it take to grill bok choy?
Bok Choy cooks fast and you don't want it to burn during the grilling process. Grilling each side for 1-2 minutes should be enough to cook it through.
Is this recipe gluten-free and keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is certainly keto-friendly. If you want to make it gluten-free use a gluten-free soy sauce or swap the soy sauce with tamari.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
I enjoy the grilled bok choy with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. It also pairs well with other grilled veggies or tofu. You can also try it with spicy wings or burgers.
STORING SUGGESTIONS
Once the grilled bok choy has cooled down, store them in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
For reheating, place them on a pan, spray some oil, and cook until they are just heated. Do not overcook.
I would advise against freezing bok choy, because of the higher water content it will become soggy when thawed.
ORIENTAL GRILLED BOK CHOY
Ingredients
- 1 lb Bok Choy
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- salt as per taste
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the Bok Choy. Cut them into halves lengthwise.
- Put them in a microwave-safe dish, cover and cook for 3 minutes.
- Heat a grilling pan.
- Make the vinaigrette by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil and soy sauce.
- Toss the bok choy with the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper as required.
- Grill the bok choy in the pan until charred, 1 to 2 minutes per side, brushing with any extra sauce.
- Serve immediately.
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