Steaming Bok Choy: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Side Dish

Steaming bok choy is a great way to cook the vegetable without losing its crisp texture and flavour. It is a versatile cooking method that can be used to create a range of dishes, from salads to soups. The key to perfectly steamed bok choy is to not overcook it, as this will make it mushy. Depending on the size of the bok choy, steaming time can vary from 3 to 6 minutes. For an extra flavour boost, it is recommended to serve it with a sauce or dressing, such as a spicy lime and sesame dressing.

How to steam bok choy

Bok choy is a versatile vegetable that can be steamed, stir-fried, grilled, or even eaten raw in salads. Steaming is a great way to cook bok choy as it preserves more nutrients, flavour, colour, and texture compared to other cooking methods like boiling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam bok choy:

Prepare the bok choy

Wash the bok choy thoroughly under cool running water, gently separating the leaves to remove any dirt. Trim the stem ends, removing as little as possible—just enough to clean up the dried and dark-coloured areas. For baby bok choy, simply halve the vegetable lengthwise. For medium-sized bok choy (8-9 inches tall), quarter it. For large bok choy (over 10 inches tall), separate the stems from the leaves and dice the stems into 1.5-inch sections and the leaves into 2-inch sections.

Prepare the steamer

Add about 1 inch of water to a large pot or wok with a steamer basket. If using an Instant Pot, use a trivet or steamer basket over 1 cup of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

Steam the bok choy

Arrange the bok choy in the steamer with the stems facing down and the leaves facing up. Place them at an angle to allow for better steam circulation. Cover the pan and steam for 3-5 minutes for baby bok choy, 5-6 minutes for medium bok choy, and 3 minutes for large bok choy stems, then add the leaves for an additional 2 minutes. The bok choy is ready when it is crisp-tender and a vibrant green colour.

Make a sauce (optional)

While the bok choy is steaming, you can prepare a sauce to drizzle over the cooked vegetable. Try a simple mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, and orange juice, or get creative with ingredients like garlic, oyster sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, or chives.

Serve

Arrange the steamed bok choy on a serving platter and drizzle with your desired sauce. Enjoy as a side dish or add a protein like salmon or pork chops for a more substantial meal.

How to make a sauce to accompany steamed bok choy

Spicy lime and sesame dressing

Add lime juice, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce to taste. Don't forget to add salt!

Chive sauce

Whisk together chives, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and sugar in a small bowl.

Oyster sauce

Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic, then bok choy, and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add water to the skillet, cover it, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the bok choy from the skillet and place it on a warmed platter. Drizzle the sauce over the greens and serve.

Garlic oyster sauce

Saute garlic with a bit of oil and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Add the sauce and stir with a wooden spoon. Pour it over the bok choy and top with toasted sesame oil.

How to cut bok choy for steaming

The way you cut bok choy for steaming depends on its size. Here is a general guide:

For baby bok choy, which is around 4-5 inches tall, simply halve them lengthwise.

For medium-sized bok choy, which are 8-9 inches tall, quarter each one into four pieces.

For large bok choy, which are 10 inches or taller, separate the stems from the leaves. Dice the stems into 1.5-inch sections and the leaves into 2-inch sections.

Before steaming, arrange the bok choy in the steamer with the stems facing down and the leaves facing up. For large bok choy, steam the stems first for 3 minutes and then add the leaves for a further 2 minutes. Cutting the bok choy according to size helps ensure even cooking.

How to store and reheat steamed bok choy

Steamed bok choy is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge and can be kept for up to four days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 1 minute or until hot, or reheat in a pan on medium heat.

If you want to store steamed bok choy for longer, you can freeze it. To do this, immediately plunge the cooked bok choy into ice water for two minutes after steaming. Dry the bok choy and place it carefully into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Bok choy can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months if kept at a temperature of under 0 degrees Celsius.

What to serve with steamed bok choy

Steamed bok choy is a fantastic, fibre-packed side dish that can be paired with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed bok choy:

Rice Dishes

Rice is a great option to serve with steamed bok choy. You can try air fryer rice, air fryer fried rice, or even low-carb shirataki fried rice. The neutrality of rice pairs well with the mildly sweet flavour of steamed bok choy.

Meat and Poultry

Bok choy can be served with meat and poultry dishes, such as beef in oyster sauce, oyster sauce chicken stir-fry, or black pepper chicken. The savoury and umami flavours of these dishes complement the freshness of bok choy.

Seafood

Seafood is also a delicious pairing with steamed bok choy. Try it with shrimp, or your favourite chicken or steak, and a side of rice. For a more indulgent option, Jamie Oliver's spicy miso pork ramen features bok choy and is ready in just 30 minutes.

Vegetarian Options

For vegetarian options, steamed bok choy can be served with tofu or other vegetarian proteins. Spinach dumplings with tofu and rice noodles are a tasty option, or you can try vegan-friendly boiled dumplings with a bok choy and carrot filling.

Noodle Dishes

Noodle dishes are always a good choice to serve with bok choy. Try tossing it with ramen and drizzling with chilli sauce, or opt for udon noodle soup with a poached egg. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own ramen from scratch!

Frequently asked questions