Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Published: November 30, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This stir fry cooks in just 15-20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: The ginger-garlic sauce infuses the dish with a savory depth that complements the beef beautifully.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, this recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
One-Pan Meal: Minimal clean-up is needed since everything cooks in one skillet.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry effortlessly, gather your tools and prep your ingredients ahead of time. This will streamline your cooking process and ensure you have everything you need at hand.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet or Wok
Cutting Board
Knife
Measuring Spoons
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect stir-fry texture.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat, ensuring quick prep work.
Knife: A sharp knife helps slice the beef thinly, which is crucial for tenderness in the final dish.

Ingredients

For the Beef

1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain

For the Vegetables

1 package (about 1 lb) baby bok choy, ends trimmed, leaves separated and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

How to Make Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by slicing the beef against the grain into thin strips. Rinse the bok choy leaves thoroughly under cold water.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Add the sliced beef to the hot skillet:
1. Spread it out into a single layer.
2. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned on one side before flipping to cook through.
3. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

In the same skillet:
1. Add minced garlic and grated ginger.
2. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add Bok Choy

Add bok choy leaves into the skillet:
1. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to wilt.
2. Return cooked beef to the skillet along with soy sauce (and oyster sauce if using).

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss everything together:
1. Cook for an additional minute until heated through.
2. Serve immediately with rice or noodles if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry!

How to Serve Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Beef and bok choy stir fry makes for a delightful meal that is both healthy and satisfying. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

Serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice will absorb the savory ginger-garlic sauce, making each bite flavorful.

In Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the beef and bok choy mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy alternative. This makes for a fun handheld meal.

With Noodles

Pair the stir fry with cooked noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles. The noodles will add an extra layer of texture and soak up the delicious sauce.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables

Serve alongside pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast that brightens up the flavors of the stir fry.

How to Perfect Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry

To achieve a fantastic beef and bok choy stir fry, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your cooking game.

Slice beef thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness and allows for quick cooking, which locks in flavor.
Use high heat: Cooking on high heat helps to sear the beef quickly, giving it a nice browning while keeping it juicy inside.
Prep ingredients ahead: Having all ingredients ready before you start cooking streamlines the process and prevents overcooking.
Stir frequently: Constant stirring ensures even cooking and prevents any part from burning, resulting in a well-cooked dish.

Best Side Dishes for Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Pairing your beef and bok choy stir fry with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with savory stir fries.
Coconut Brown Rice: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances well with the savory elements of the dish.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a crunchy, flavorful complement.
Vegetable Fried Rice: Adds colorful veggies and extra texture to your meal.
Miso Soup: A light soup that offers umami flavor without overpowering the main dish.
Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm stir fry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using thick slices of beef: Thick slices can make the beef tough. Always slice the beef thinly across the grain for tenderness.
Overcooking bok choy: Overcooked bok choy loses its crispness. Stir-fry just until tender to retain its crunch.
Ignoring seasoning balance: Skipping on soy sauce or ginger can lead to bland flavors. Adjust seasonings according to your taste for a flavorful dish.
Not preheating the pan: Cooking in a cold pan can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your pan before adding oil and ingredients.
Using high-sodium sauces: High-sodium sauces can overwhelm the dish’s flavor. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep it balanced.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Allow the stir fry to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry?
Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish featuring tender beef slices stir-fried with crisp bok choy in a savory ginger-garlic sauce.

How do I make Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry more spicy?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers when stir-frying the ingredients.

Can I use different vegetables in my Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

What can I serve with Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry?
Yes! You can substitute beef with tofu or tempeh while keeping all other ingredients the same for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Bok Choy Stir Fry is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings as desired. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!

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