Grilled Bok Choy With Ginger Garlic Dressing Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore this grilled bok choy recipe that combines crisp stalks, a satisfying crunch, and a refreshing texture for a truly delicious experience.

One evening, I was in the mood for something simple yet comforting after a long day. As I looked around my kitchen, my eyes landed on a bunch of fresh bok choy. That’s when I remembered a wonderful recipe my cousin had taught me. I fired up the grill, ready to hear the sizzle as the bok choy hit the heat.

Every time I make this dish, I’m always amazed by the crisp, delicious flavors of bok choy. I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed when you try it yourself! If you’re craving something smoky and delicious, don’t hesitate to give this grilled bok choy a try.

While this recipe may not follow traditional methods, bok choy remains a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine. In recent years, grilling vegetables like bok choy has become popular, driven by the growing global interest in Asian-inspired flavors and ingredients.

Whether served as a side dish or taking center stage on the plate, this grilled bok choy brings a touch of garden-fresh goodness, transforming simple greens into a truly remarkable treat. By following the method and tips I’ve shared, you’ll be able to recreate these incredible flavors and enjoy the dish just as much as I do.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Mixing Bowl: I use a medium-sized bowl to mix the ingredients for the dressing.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These pieces of equipment are essential for measuring my ingredients perfectly.
Tong: Use this tool to effortlessly flip the bok choy.
Grilling Pan: This pan is my go-to for perfectly grilling bok choy.

Grilled Bok Choy Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients mentioned here are sufficient to serve four portions of Grilled Bok Choy. You will have to adjust the quantities if you want to make more or fewer portions.

1 1/2 lbs Baby Bok Choy (washed, dried, and skewered)

For The Dressing

2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce: You can try using Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor as soy sauce.
1 Tablespoon Dry Sherry: I recommend trying dry vermouth for a wonderful herbal flavor.
1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar: As a simple option, you can go with white sugar.
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic: For an umami taste, use garlic powder along with garlic-infused oil or salts.
2 Tablespoon Minced Ginger: If you want to experiment with flavors, try galangal as a substitute for ginger.
2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar: You can try champagne vinegar for a slightly fruity taste, which works well in dressings.
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil: You can try using peanut oil for a rich, savory, and roasted essence.
1 Teaspoon Sesame Seeds: I recommend using poppy seeds for a crunchy, mild, robust flavor.1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: You can use chili powder for an extra spicy flavor or smoked paprika for a smokey flavor with mild heat.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	15 Minutes	25 Minutes

How To Make Grilled Bok Choy At Home

To make the dressing, combine soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk everything together and set aside.
Preheat the grill, then lay the baby bok choy on it and cook it for 2 minutes on each side until the leaves begin to char.
Transfer the grilled bok choy to a plate and drizzle with the prepared dressing.
Here we go! Your Grilled Bok Choy is ready to taste.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I recommend brushing bok choy with a high-quality oil, like avocado or olive oil, for richness and to prevent it from sticking to the grill.
For a unique twist, incorporate spices like smoked paprika or cumin into your dressing.
Brush the bok choy with balsamic vinegar or teriyaki glaze during the last minute of grilling for added sweetness and shine.
Garnish the dressing with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a burst of refreshing flavor.
Once the bok choy is grilled, sprinkle it with flaky sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to enhance the natural flavors and add a nice crunch.
I recommend to include aromatics oil combined with sliced garlic or shallots in dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
Sprinkle some five spice powder and splash some heavy cream into the dressing for a spicy, robust and creamy flavor.
You can toss some butter or clarified butter on the bok choy while grilling, for an aromatic flavor and buttery taste.
I brush the bok choy with flavor-infused oils while grilling, like garlic-infused oil or chili oil.

FAQs About Grilled Bok Choy

Why is your bok choy turning mushy on the grill?

Overcooking can lead to a soggy texture. Cook the bok choy on the grill for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to stay tender while keeping its crispness.

Why isn’t your bok choy developing that perfect char?

Ensure the grill is at high heat before placing the bok choy on it. A hot grill is essential for achieving the perfect char.

Why are the stems not cooked through, but the leaves are burnt?

For consistent cooking, split the bok choy lengthwise and arrange the stems near the heat source at the beginning.

How can you reduce the bitterness in your bok choy?

Blanch the bok choy in boiling water for just a minute before grilling to mellow out the bitterness. A hint of sweetness in the marinade will further elevate the flavor.

How can you ensure the bok choy stays moist during grilling?

To keep the bok choy moist while grilling, brush it with oil before grilling and use a marinade to add extra moisture.

How will you know when the bok choy is perfectly grilled?

Bok choy is perfectly grilled when the leaves are wilted with charred edges and the stems are tender yet still crunchy.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This grilled bok choy recipe is fairly nutritious. However, the dressing drizzled over the bok choy contains fat and a high amount of calories, so it is better to eat and enjoy this dish in moderation.

I have mentioned the exact nutritional value of this Grilled Bok Choy recipe below:

Calories	65 kcal
Carbohydrates	8 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	1 g
Saturated Fat	0.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	1 g
Sodium	626 mg
Potassium	46 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g
Vitamin A	7,718 IU
Vitamin C	77 mg
Calcium	202 mg
Iron	2 mg

This recipe is completely suitable for people following vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free diets. So you can confidently add it to your meal plan without restriction. However, people on ketogenic, gluten-free, low-sugar, and low-fat diets may need to alter some of the ingredients to include the dish in their meal plan.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Ketogenic Diet: To make this recipe suitable for people on a keto diet, just alter brown sugar with stevia and continue the process.
Low-Sugar Diet: Same as the keto diet, alter brown sugar with stevia and continue the process for a low-sugar grilled bok choy recipe.
Gluten-Free Diet: You can use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce as a gluten-free option for the recipe.
Low-Fat Diet: If you aim for a low-fat diet, you can modify the recipe by minimizing the amount of oil used.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

In The Refrigerator: My usual practice is to transfer the leftover bok choy into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. They typically last 2-3 days.
In The Freezer: I tend to avoid freezing bok choy because it can affect their tender and juicy texture. However, if it’s unavoidable during your busy schedule, you can store them in an airtight container and freeze them, where they will remain good for up to one month.

Reheating

In The Oven: I recommend preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bok choy on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
On The Stovetop: I always heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the bok choy for a few minutes until warmed through, stirring gently.
In A Microwave: You can even place the bok choy in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth in between.

What To Serve With This Recipe

This grilled bok choy pairs wonderfully with Taiwanese Fried Tofu. But you can also serve it alongside miso Maple-Glazed Salmon or Caponata for an added burst of freshness.

In addition to these options, this bok choy pairs beautifully with a variety of curry dishes, such as Panang Curry or Red Curry, making it a fantastic meal choice. It also complements Wild Rice Soup or Potato Leek Soup for a hearty, flavorful pairing.

For a fun BBQ treat, I dip this grilled bok choy in flavorful sauces like Remoulade Sauce or Honey Mustard Sauce. While there are endless ways to pair it, you can always enjoy it solo!

Printable Version

More Lunch And Dinner Recipes That You Can Try

Chipotle Chicken Marinade Recipe — Chipotle Chicken

Chipotle Rice In Yellow Bowl — Chipotle Chicken

Conclusion

Grilled bok choy is more than a side dish; it’s a great example of how fresh, straightforward ingredients can shine as a culinary delight. The smoky char and tender texture of each bite make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Savor this versatile and wholesome dish, and let it remind you of the endless delicious possibilities that come with every garden harvest.

Feel free to try this fantastic recipe! Follow the ingredient quantities and steps closely for the best outcome. I’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or inquiries. Stay tuned for more great recipes and happy grilling!

Grilled Bokchoy Recipe

Equipment Required