Description
This Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish combining tender bok choy, savory ground meat, and a savory sauce made with soy and oyster sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, it balances crisp vegetables with the rich umami of meat, all cooked rapidly in a hot skillet or wok.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped (separate stems and leaves)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Meat
- 8 ounces ground meat (pork, beef, chicken, or turkey)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Others
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (canola or vegetable)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash the bok choy thoroughly and chop it, keeping the stems and leaves separated. Mince the garlic finely. Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Brown the Meat: Heat cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and optional chili flakes into the cooked meat. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook Bok Choy: Add the white stems of the bok choy first, stir-frying for 1 to 2 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the green leafy parts and continue stir-frying until they wilt.
- Add Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce(s), oyster sauce, and the prepared cornstarch slurry. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil if using, toss everything well to combine, then remove the pan from heat. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use any type of ground meat you prefer or have on hand, such as pork, beef, chicken, or turkey.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to your salt preference and dietary needs.
- Chili flakes add a nice heat; omit if you want a milder dish.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground meat with firm tofu crumbles or mushrooms.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
