This stir-fried bok choy with ground meat is a simple, healthy, and satisfying dish I love making when I want something flavorful but quick. The tender-crisp bok choy pairs perfectly with savory ground meat, creating a balanced one-pan meal that works beautifully for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups bok choy, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
I heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
I add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the meat is browned, I stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
I add the chopped bok choy, stirring until it starts to wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
I mix in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors come together.
I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste before serving hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: Around 330 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap the bok choy for baby spinach, napa cabbage, or kale for a different texture. Ground pork works really well if I want a richer flavor. For a sweeter profile, I add a splash of hoisin sauce. If I want extra crunch, I toss in water chestnuts or bell peppers.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat or a microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, I can replace the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
What part of bok choy should I use?
I use both the crunchy white stalks and the leafy green tops for the best texture contrast.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance, then cook everything just before serving.
How can I make it spicier?
I add more red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of chili paste while cooking.
What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
I like using vegetable or canola oil because they handle high heat well without overpowering the flavor.
Conclusion
I love how this stir-fried bok choy with ground meat comes together so quickly without sacrificing flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to adapt to whatever ingredients I have, making it a dependable go-to for a fast, nutritious meal.
📖 Recipe:
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Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring tender-crisp bok choy and savory ground meat, perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups bok choy, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the chopped onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and onion is translucent.
- Add the chopped bok choy and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until it starts to wilt.
- Mix in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil; cook for another 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Swap bok choy with baby spinach, napa cabbage, or kale for variety.
Ground pork offers a richer flavor.
Add a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness.
For extra crunch, toss in water chestnuts or bell peppers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
