Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry has become one of my favorite go-to recipes for busy weeknights. It’s so simple to whip together, yet it packs in loads of flavor and nutrition. The tender mushrooms paired with crunchy bok choy tossed in a gingery, garlicky brown sauce make for a satisfying dish that can be served on its own or over a bed of rice.

This stir fry is not just easy to prepare; it’s also versatile enough for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in just 23 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Flavorful goodness: The combination of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the dish.
• Healthy and hearty: Packed with nutrients from bok choy and mushrooms, it’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a side dish or make it the main event over steamed rice.
• Family-friendly: With its pleasing textures and flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry, you’ll need simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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 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

One of the best things about this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is its flexibility. You can easily customize it based on what you have in your fridge or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Add tofu or chickpeas for some extra protein while keeping it vegan.
• Mix up the veggies: Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and crunch.
• Change the heat level: If you’re not keen on spice, leave out the chili peppers or reduce their quantity.
• Add some crunch: Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts 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—water, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, cornstarch, and additional water. This step creates a flavorful base that will bring our stir fry to life!

Step 2: Make the Slurry

In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch slurry ingredients until well mixed. This will help thicken our sauce when added later.

Step 3: Steam the Bok Choy

Heat 1/4 cup of water in a large skillet over medium-high heat until boiling. Toss in the baby bok choy along with a pinch of salt. Cover the pan to let it steam briefly—just about 30 seconds. Uncover and give it a stir before covering again for another 30 seconds until softened. Once done, transfer it onto a platter; we want to keep that lovely green color!

Step 4: Sear the Mushrooms

Wipe out any excess moisture from the pan with paper towels and add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil. Switch your heat up high! Add your mushrooms without stirring them initially—it’s all about getting that nice sear. After about a minute flip them over and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until browned.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Move those beautifully seared mushrooms to one side of your pan. Pour in another half tablespoon of oil on the other side before adding in dried chili peppers, minced garlic, ginger, and sliced green onions. Give everything a good stir until you see those chili peppers turn dark red—this means they’re releasing their flavor into our stir fry!

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Now pour in your prepared sauce mixture into the pan! Give everything a quick stir while cooking for about 30 seconds. Then remember that slurry we made? Give it another quick stir before swirling it into the pan. Keep cooking until you see that glorious sauce thicken up beautifully! Finally, transfer everything onto your serving plate while still hot.

Enjoy this delicious Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry either as an outstanding side dish or over fluffy steamed rice as a satisfying main course! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your bok choy and mushroom stir fry turns out perfectly every time!

• Prep your ingredients first: Having all your vegetables chopped and sauces mixed before you start cooking saves time and helps maintain the dish’s freshness. Stir frying is a quick process, so being organized will lead to better results.
• Use high heat: Cooking over high heat allows for that beautiful sear on the mushrooms and keeps the bok choy crisp. This technique enhances flavors while preserving the vibrant colors of your veggies.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you add too many ingredients at once, they may steam instead of fry. This can lead to a mushy texture rather than the desired crunch. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the number of chili peppers based on your heat tolerance. This flexibility lets you customize the dish to suit your family’s taste preferences.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stir fry to sit for a minute after cooking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more enjoyable!

How to Serve Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry

This bok choy and mushroom stir fry is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present this colorful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a lovely crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro gives a burst of freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice provides a fragrant base that absorbs the savory sauce wonderfully, making it an ideal companion for this stir fry.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes adds a refreshing contrast to the warm stir fry, enhancing your meal’s overall texture.
• Sautéed green beans: Quick-cooked green beans tossed in garlic oil offer a crunchy side that pairs excellently with this dish.
• Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your meal nicely, providing comforting flavors that balance the stir-fried goodness.

Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy this deliciously easy bok choy and mushroom stir fry any night of the week!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your stir fry fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stir fry to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option!
• Let the stir fry cool down completely.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags and remove as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stir fry overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry without soy sauce?

Absolutely! You can use tamari as a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.

How do I make Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry spicy?

To add some heat, consider increasing the number of dried Chinese chili peppers or adding a dash of red pepper flakes during cooking!

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

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You could also serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry! It’s not just quick and easy; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences or variations with me!