Stir-fried bok choy is full of flavor and grows with ease on the GrowBlock Garden (seen here with black sesame seeds).
Savor the crisp, verdant crunch of hydroponically grown bok choy in this simple yet flavor-packed stir-fry. When bok choy is cultivated hydroponically, it’s often even more vibrant and succulent, giving your dishes a fresh edge.
Ingredients:
- Hydroponically Grown Bok Choy: 4 medium-sized heads, washed and cut into halves or quarters lengthwise
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (substitute with mushroom soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- Cooking Wine (like Shaoxing) or Dry Sherry: 1 tablespoon
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick)
- Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
- White or Black Sesame Seeds: For garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Gently rinse your hydroponically grown bok choy. Being soil-free, they’ll be relatively clean, so just a gentle wash will do. Drain and set them aside.
- Sauce Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster (or mushroom) sauce, cooking wine, and toasted sesame oil. Set this mixture aside.
- Stir-Fry Base: In a large skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Fry until aromatic but not browned.
- Cooking the Bok Choy: Place the bok choy cut-side down in the skillet or wok. Let them sear without moving for about 1-2 minutes until the cut surfaces get slightly browned. Now stir and toss them for another 2-3 minutes.
- Sauce Addition: Pour the sauce mixture over the bok choy and toss to coat well. If you want a little spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes or until the bok choy is tender yet still has a crisp bite.
- Serving: Transfer your bok choy stir-fry to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or alongside other dishes.
Tip: Hydroponically grown bok choy often retains its crunch and fresh flavor better than its soil-grown counterpart. Ensure not to overcook it to relish its natural taste and crisp texture. Enjoy your meal!
