Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dish to make on a busy weeknight, I have just the recipe for you! My Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. The combination of tender mushrooms and crisp bok choy is not only delicious, but it also comes together in no time. This stir fry is perfect for family dinners or even when you have friends over, offering a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy.

What I love most about this recipe is how comforting and satisfying it is, thanks to the gingery garlic sauce that ties everything together. Whether served as a side or as a hearty main course over steamed rice, it’s sure to please. Let’s dive right into why this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 23 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that kids and adults alike will love, it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies!
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal over rice—it’s adaptable to fit any occasion.
• Wholesome Ingredients: With fresh vegetables and simple pantry staples, you can feel good about what you’re serving.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily adjust the ingredients to meet dietary preferences while keeping flavor at the forefront.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll find they are easy to source and perfect for creating this delectable stir fry.

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

For the Slurry

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Stir Fry

• 1 lb baby bok choy, cut into 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! Feel free to play around with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.

• Swap the protein: Add tofu or tempeh instead of mushrooms for a plant-based boost!
• Change up the greens: Try adding other vegetables like snow peas or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of chili peppers or omit them entirely.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some cashews or peanuts at the end for an extra layer of texture.

How to Make Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients. This step is essential because it allows the flavors to meld before hitting the heat. A well-prepared sauce really elevates your stir fry!

Step 2: Make the Slurry

In another small bowl, combine cornstarch with water and stir until smooth. This mixture will help thicken your sauce later on, giving it that luxurious feel that clings beautifully to every piece of vegetable.

Step 3: Steam the Bok Choy

Heat 1/4 cup water in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s bubbling hot. Add your bok choy along with a pinch of salt, cover the pan, and let it steam briefly. This keeps the bok choy crisp yet tender—a vital texture contrast in your dish!

Step 4: Sear the Mushrooms

Wipe out your pan (cleanliness is key!) and add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over high heat. When hot, add your mushrooms without stirring for about a minute—this helps them get nice and browned! Once flipped, give them a gentle stir until they’re perfectly seared and juicy.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Push your mushrooms aside and pour remaining oil into the empty space. Toss in chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Stir-frying these aromatics brings out their vibrant flavors; don’t skip this step!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Pour in your prepared sauce along with stirring everything together well. After about 30 seconds of cooking time—just enough for those flavors to meld—stir your slurry again before swirling it into the pan. Cook until thickened then serve hot over rice or as is!

Enjoy making this delicious Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry! It’s bound to become one of those recipes you’ll want to keep close at hand.

Pro Tips for Making Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry to new heights!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking ensures that everything comes together smoothly and quickly. This way, you won’t find yourself scrambling to chop vegetables while the pan is heating.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if necessary prevents steaming instead of searing. If there are too many ingredients in the skillet at once, they can release moisture, leading to a soggy stir fry rather than one with that perfect crisp texture.

• Use High Heat: Stir frying is all about high heat! This helps to achieve that wonderful caramelization on the mushrooms and keeps the bok choy vibrant and crisp. Just be sure to keep everything moving in the pan!

• Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Each ingredient can vary in flavor intensity, so tasting allows you to balance the dish perfectly!

• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas based on what you have on hand. This not only adds variety but also enhances nutritional value.

How to Serve Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

Serving this dish is where you can let your creativity shine! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, presentation matters.

Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a lovely crunch.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro lends a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brightens up the dish with a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice makes it an ideal base for soaking up the savory sauce from your stir fry.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm stir fry.
• Quinoa: For a hearty option, serve with quinoa. It’s nutritious and adds an interesting texture alongside your stir fry.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls make for an excellent appetizer or side, offering crunchy goodness that pairs well with the tender stir fry.

Enjoy this delightful Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry as part of your meal; its flavors are sure to bring comfort and satisfaction!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and delicious dish throughout the week. Preparing it in advance not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making it an ideal option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If possible, separate the stir fry from rice or other sides to maintain texture.

Freezing

• Allow the stir fry to cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stir fry overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make your Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry gluten-free, simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free oyster sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry!

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

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. It also makes a fantastic side to grilled vegetables or tofu, enhancing your meal with its savory flavors.

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

You can whip up this delicious Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry in just about 23 minutes! With 15 minutes of prep time and only 8 minutes of cooking, it’s perfect for a quick weekday dinner.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a comforting blend of flavors that brings warmth to any table. Whether you enjoy it as a side or as a main course over rice, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and may your meals always be deliciously satisfying!