Description

This recipe features a vibrant and healthy glazed bok choy, made with a spicy maple-gochujang sauce for an incredible aroma and tender-crisp texture, perfect as an easy and flavorful side dish for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large heads (0.5 kg) bok choy
1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons naturally brewed soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
0.25 cup water
3 cloves (15 g) fresh garlic, minced
2 cm piece (10 g) fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

Prep Bok Choy: Thoroughly wash bok choy heads under cold water. Trim ends, halve lengthwise; quarter very large heads for even cooking.
Whisk Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk gochujang, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined.
Sear Bok Choy: Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place bok choy halves cut-side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes until lightly charred; flip and sear for 1 minute.
Simmer in Glaze: Pour prepared glaze evenly over bok choy. Bring to a gentle simmer; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes until stalks are tender-crisp.
Thicken & Serve: Uncover skillet, increase heat to medium-high. Simmer, turning bok choy, for 2-4 minutes until glaze thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. Stir in sesame oil before removing. Arrange on a warm plate, drizzle remaining glaze, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, use crisp, fresh bok choy. Consider organic bok choy and low-sodium tamari for a healthier spin. Measure all glaze ingredients beforehand for quick prep, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture for extra heat.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 125 g
Calories: 130 calories
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg