This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is a simple, healthy, and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Combining tender baby bok choy with juicy mushrooms in a garlicky, gingery brown sauce, it’s both comforting and nutrient-rich. This vegan-friendly dish can stand alone over steamed rice or complement any protein for a balanced meal. A gluten-free version is also easy with ingredient swaps.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp water

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular oyster sauce)

• 1 tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• ½ tsp sesame oil

Slurry:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp water

Stir Fry:

• 1 lb baby bok choy, cut into large bite-size pieces

• Pinch of salt

• 2½ tbsp peanut oil

• 1 lb brown mushrooms, halved or quartered

• 4 dried Chinese chili peppers

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced

• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Prep the Sauce

   • Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

   • Mix cornstarch and water in another bowl to make a slurry.

2. Steam Bok Choy

   • Heat ¼ cup water in a large skillet over medium-high heat until boiling.

   • Add bok choy and a pinch of salt. Cover and steam 30 seconds, stir, then steam another 30 seconds.

   • Transfer to a large platter.

3. Cook the Mushrooms

   • Wipe the skillet dry. Add 2 tbsp oil over high heat.

   • Sear mushrooms for 1 minute without touching, then stir occasionally for 2–3 minutes until browned and dry.

4. Add Aromatics

   • Move mushrooms to one side of the pan. Add ½ tbsp oil to the other side and add chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and green onion.

   • Stir a few times until the chili darkens, then mix everything together.

5. Combine & Finish

   • Pour in the sauce and stir for 30 seconds.

   • Stir the slurry again, pour it in, and cook until the sauce thickens.

   • Return bok choy to the pan, mix well, and serve hot.

Nutrients (Per Serving – serves 4)

• Calories: 151 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12.8g

• Protein: 5.4g

• Fat: 9.5g

• Saturated Fat: 1.6g

• Sodium: 561mg

• Potassium: 858mg

• Fiber: 2.3g

• Sugar: 4.7g

• Calcium: 152mg

• Iron: 2mg

A Stir Fry Rooted in Tradition

Stir-frying is one of the oldest and most beloved cooking techniques in Chinese cuisine. It’s fast, efficient, and designed to enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient. This dish stays true to that tradition with a minimalistic approach: few ingredients, high heat, and maximum impact. Bok choy and mushrooms are a classic pairing, commonly found in many Chinese households, because of their complementary textures and earthy, umami-rich profiles.

With origins in Cantonese-style cooking, where vegetables are often treated with care to retain color, crunch, and integrity, this recipe honors that culinary philosophy. The sauce—balanced between salty, sweet, and nutty—ties everything together while allowing the vegetables to shine.

Nutrient-Packed and Naturally Vegan

Bok choy and mushrooms are more than just flavorful—they’re nutritional powerhouses. Baby bok choy is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and calcium. Its slightly peppery, mild flavor makes it a versatile green that softens quickly while maintaining a nice bite. Mushrooms bring potassium, selenium, and antioxidants, making them excellent for boosting immunity and overall health.

Together, they form a satisfying, plant-based main that fits well into a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. When paired with steamed rice or quinoa, this dish becomes a complete meal. For those seeking a gluten-free option, it’s easily adapted with tamari in place of soy sauce and a gluten-free vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.

Flavorful Sauce with a Healthy Profile

The sauce is what elevates this stir fry from simple sautéed vegetables to something crave-worthy. A blend of soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper creates a multidimensional flavor base that’s both savory and slightly sweet, with a hit of nuttiness. The sauce simmers quickly in the pan, coating the vegetables evenly and creating a glossy finish that invites you in with every bite.

Cornstarch slurry is the secret to that luscious, velvety texture. It thickens the sauce without altering its flavor and ensures that every leaf of bok choy and slice of mushroom is coated in savory goodness. This also helps the dish hold up well if stored for leftovers, retaining its consistency and flavor even after reheating.

Quick and Convenient Weeknight Meal

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is how quickly it comes together. In under 30 minutes, you can prep, cook, and serve a full meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. This makes it a top choice for weeknight cooking, especially when time and energy are limited.

The ingredients are also highly accessible. Baby bok choy is widely available in most grocery stores or Asian markets, and mushrooms—whether cremini, button, or shiitake—are a staple in many kitchens. Pantry items like soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch are easy to keep on hand, making this dish a great fallback for when you’re not sure what to cook.

Flexible and Customizable

While bok choy and mushrooms make a perfect pair, this stir fry is endlessly adaptable. Swap in other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini depending on what’s in season or in your fridge. For a spicy version, increase the number of dried chili peppers or add a dash of chili oil at the end.

For added protein, toss in tofu, edamame, or seared tempeh. If you’re not following a plant-based diet, this dish also complements grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef beautifully. It’s a great base recipe to build upon depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

The sauce can also be tweaked to taste. Add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess, a bit of hoisin for sweetness, or a teaspoon of ginger juice for extra brightness. With a flexible foundation, this stir fry can be reimagined in countless ways without losing its essence.

Balanced in Nutrition and Flavor

This dish strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. Each serving is low in calories but high in satisfaction, thanks to its rich umami flavor and hearty textures. The fiber from the vegetables helps keep you full, while the healthy fats from sesame oil support nutrient absorption.

Despite being completely plant-based, it delivers a depth of flavor that satisfies even the most devoted meat eaters. The mushrooms add a meaty quality without the heaviness, and the bok choy keeps it fresh and vibrant. It’s a perfect example of how plant-based dishes can be just as indulgent and deeply comforting as their meat-based counterparts.

Tips for the Best Stir Fry

The secret to a great stir fry lies in preparation and timing. Have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you begin cooking—once the pan is hot, everything happens quickly. Use a wok or large skillet to ensure even heat distribution and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy vegetables.

Let the mushrooms sear undisturbed for a minute or two to build a deeper flavor and encourage caramelization. This gives the dish a more robust, satisfying bite. When adding the aromatics—garlic, ginger, and green onion—make sure the oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning.

Always stir the cornstarch slurry again before adding it to the pan, as the starch tends to settle. Pour it in slowly and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Serve Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a classic pairing. It also works beautifully with noodles—toss it with rice noodles, soba, or even ramen for a quick noodle bowl. For low-carb options, try serving it over cauliflower rice or a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots.

If you’re preparing a larger meal, this stir fry pairs well with miso soup, pickled vegetables, or dumplings. It’s an excellent component in a larger Asian-inspired dinner spread, but also shines when enjoyed simply on its own.

Conclusion: A Stir Fry That Delivers on Every Level

Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is proof that simple ingredients, when handled well, can produce extraordinary results. With its bold flavors, quick cook time, and versatile nature, it’s a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a meatless Monday meal, a nutritious weeknight dinner, or a flavorful side dish, this stir fry delivers on every front.

It’s nourishing, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen for both its ease and its irresistible flavor.