Stir-Fried Bok Choy With Ground Meat Recipe

Sizzling Stir-Fried Bok Choy With Ground Meat Recipe

Crisp, green bok choy dances beautifully with savory ground meat in this quick stir-fry sensation.

Woks sizzle with aromatic possibilities waiting to unfold.

Tender leaves absorb rich flavors that complement the hearty protein perfectly.

Chinese home cooking brings comfort through simple, bold ingredients blended seamlessly.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when fresh produce meets skillful technique.

Minimal prep and fast cooking ensure you savor every delicious bite without stress.

Hunger calls – this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients Needed for Stir-fried Bok Choy with Meat

For the Protein:
  • Ground Meat: A savory and hearty base that adds rich flavor and protein to the stir-fry.
For the Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provide a warm, spicy foundation that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Bok Choy: A fresh, crisp green vegetable that brings a light and tender texture to the stir-fry.
For the Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the recipe.
  • Oyster Sauce: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet maritime flavor.
  • Rice Wine: Offers a subtle complexity and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and sharpness.
For the Cooking and Finishing:
  • Vegetable Oil: Creates a non-stick surface and helps distribute heat evenly.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic finish to the dish.

How to Make Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Pan

Warm your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in vegetable oil and let it heat up until it shimmers.

Add ground meat and break it into small pieces using a spatula, cooking until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 2: Boost the Flavor Profile

Toss in fresh minced garlic and ginger.

Stir these aromatic ingredients around the pan, letting them release their intense fragrance for about one minute.

Step 3: Create a Delicious Sauce

Add the following ingredients to create a mouthwatering sauce:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Rice wine
  • Brown sugar
  • Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and slightly thicken for one minute, stirring continuously to blend all the flavors together.

Step 4: Cook the Green Goodness

Introduce chopped Bok Choy to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the greens remain crisp and vibrant but are fully cooked.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for an extra layer of flavor. Transfer immediately to serving plates and enjoy while hot and steaming.

Helpful Tips for Stir-fried Bok Choy with Meat

  • Crush garlic and ginger instead of mincing to release more aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Use a wooden spoon to break ground meat into smaller, uniform pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
  • Add Bok Choy towards the end of cooking to maintain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture, preventing soggy vegetables.
  • Substitute ground meat with tofu or plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version, keeping the same seasoning technique.
  • Consider adding a splash of chili oil or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a slight kick of heat in the stir-fry.

Variations to Try With Stir-fried Bok Choy and Meat

  • Spicy Sichuan Style: Replace ground meat with ground pork, add chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns for intense heat and numbing flavor.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Option: Swap ground meat with crumbled firm tofu, use tamari instead of soy sauce for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Korean-Inspired Version: Incorporate gochujang paste, use ground beef, add sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a Korean barbecue touch.
  • Seafood Variation: Substitute ground meat with small shrimp or chopped scallops, add a splash of rice vinegar for bright, oceanic notes.

Best Pairings for Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the ground meat and complements the delicate bok choy flavors.
  • Match with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the savory sauce perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal with added texture and subtle fragrance.
  • Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled cucumbers or radishes provide a bright, acidic contrast to the umami-rich stir-fry, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Serve with Green Tea: A hot, slightly bitter green tea balances the dish's richness, aids digestion, and echoes the subtle vegetable notes of the bok choy.

How to Store Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the stir-fry cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Quickly reheat in a hot wok or skillet over medium-high heat, adding a splash of soy sauce to restore moisture and revive flavors. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

FAQs

  • What type of meat works best for this recipe?

Ground pork, chicken, or beef all work well. Choose a lean option for a healthier dish.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground meat with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust seasoning to maintain flavor profile.

  • Is Bok Choy nutritious?

Absolutely! Bok Choy is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and antioxidants. It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy. You can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you want heat.

Reasons to Love Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat

  • Boost Nutrition: Pack a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals with tender bok choy and protein-rich ground meat, creating a balanced meal that supports your health goals.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Learn an authentic Asian-style stir-fry technique that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ground meat with tofu, chicken, or beef to match your preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to different dietary needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-skillet recipe that combines proteins, vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired seasonings in one delicious, streamlined cooking process.
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Stir-Fried Bok Choy With Ground Meat Recipe

Stir-Fried Bok Choy With Ground Meat Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat brings Chinese comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Quick wok skills combine tender greens and seasoned protein for a satisfying meal packed with authentic flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork or beef

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, minced
  • 1 head bok choy, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm a wok or spacious skillet to medium-high heat, adding vegetable oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
  2. Introduce ground meat into the hot pan, methodically breaking it into small crumbles while achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for approximately 60 seconds to release their aromatic essence and prevent burning.
  4. Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and black pepper into the meat mixture, allowing the liquids to meld and slightly caramelize for one minute.
  5. Gently fold chopped bok choy into the seasoned meat, tossing rapidly to ensure even heat distribution and maintaining a vibrant green color with a slight crunch.
  6. Continue stir-frying the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to preserve their tender-crisp texture without overcooking.
  7. Remove from heat and finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of sesame oil, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  8. Transfer immediately to serving plates, ensuring the dish remains piping hot and retains its robust, savory characteristics.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles to adapt the recipe for different dietary preferences or health goals.
  • Chop Bok Choy stems and leaves separately, as stems require slightly longer cooking time to maintain crisp texture.
  • Adjust sauce ingredients to control saltiness and sweetness, using low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version or adding a splash of chili oil for extra heat.
  • This dish works perfectly as a quick weeknight meal, delivering protein and vegetables in a single fast-cooking preparation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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