Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced meal that’s both quick and healthy. The bok choy provides a wealth of vitamins and fiber, while the ground meat brings a satisfying protein boost. The combination of flavors from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a savory and aromatic sauce that perfectly coats the vegetables and meat. The best part is that this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light dinner or a satisfying side dish, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, or pork)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/4 teaspoon white pepper
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4 cups bok choy, chopped (or baby bok choy, halved)
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1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
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1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
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Add the ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
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Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar (if using). Mix well to coat the meat in the sauce.
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Add the bok choy to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the bok choy starts to wilt and soften.
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If needed, add the chicken or vegetable broth to help the bok choy cook evenly and create a light sauce.
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Once the bok choy is tender but still slightly crisp, remove the pan from the heat.
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Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Ground meat options: While this recipe uses ground beef, chicken, or pork, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Spicy version: For those who enjoy a kick, add some red chili flakes or a small diced chili pepper to the stir-fry for some heat.
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Additional vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.
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Low-sodium soy sauce: For a healthier twist, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content of the dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if the dish has become dry.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bok choy for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bok choy can be used, but fresh bok choy will provide a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the pan.
2. Can I substitute the ground meat with tofu or tempeh?
Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Both provide a great texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
3. How do I know when the bok choy is done?
The bok choy should be tender but still slightly crisp. It should not be overcooked or mushy, as it will lose its texture.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.
5. Can I use different sauces instead of oyster sauce?
Yes, you can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce, which will give a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you can use more soy sauce, but the taste may differ slightly.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
7. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to add more flavor and variety.
8. How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not inherently spicy, but you can add red chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to make it spicier to your taste.
9. Can I use bok choy stems and leaves together?
Yes, the stems and leaves of bok choy can be used together. Just make sure to cut the stems into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the leaves.
10. Can I serve this dish with rice or noodles?
Yes, this stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. You can use any type of rice, including jasmine or brown rice, or opt for noodles like soba or rice noodles.
Conclusion
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat is an incredibly easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re using different vegetables or changing up the protein, this recipe is versatile and will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s simple, quick, and a great way to get in your veggies while enjoying a savory meal.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat Recipe
A simple yet delicious stir-fry recipe featuring bok choy and ground meat, offering a flavorful and nutritious meal. This dish is easy to prepare, full of savory flavors, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground meat (chicken, pork, or beef)
- 4 cups bok choy, chopped (or baby bok choy, halved)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chili flakes
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it starts to wilt.
- Return the ground meat to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cook for another 2-3 minutes until bok choy is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired. Serve hot
Notes
- For a spicier version, add fresh chili slices or chili paste to the stir-fry.
- You can substitute bok choy with other leafy greens like spinach or napa cabbage if desired.
- This dish can be served over rice or noodles for a fuller meal.