If you’re craving a vibrant, savory, and utterly satisfying dish, this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe is going to become one of your kitchen staples. The gentle crunch of baby bok choy combined with the earthy, golden-browned cremini mushrooms creates such a delightful texture contrast, while the fragrant garlic, ginger, and hint of chili bring the whole dish to life. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for when you want a wholesome meal without fuss. Trust me, once you try this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe, it’ll feel like a comforting, restaurant-quality meal you can whip up anytime at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe is how simple, accessible ingredients come together to create layers of fresh, bold flavors. Each component plays a crucial role — from the crisp bok choy to the umami-rich mushrooms and the aromatic seasonings that elevate the dish to something truly special.
- 1 lb baby bok choy: This tender green adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and a mild, slightly peppery flavor.
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, halved: Their meaty texture and deep, earthy taste make them the perfect counterpart to bok choy.
- 3 tbsp peanut oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point ideal for stir-frying and adding subtle nuttiness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic punch that’s essential in Asian cooking.
- 1-inch ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty brightness that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- 2 green onions, sliced: These bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 2–3 dried red chilies (optional): For those who love a touch of heat and complexity in their stir fry.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: A salty, umami backbone that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce: Provides a luscious, savory depth without any seafood.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the savory and salty notes with a slight sweetness.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle spice that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Drizzled at the end for its toasty, fragrant finish.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Mixed with water to create a slurry that thickens the sauce nicely.
- 2 tbsp water: Used in the stir fry for steaming and mixing with cornstarch.
How to Make Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bok Choy
Start by trimming the root ends, rinsing the baby bok choy thoroughly to remove any grit, and halving any large leaves. This preparation helps the bok choy cook evenly and quickly while preserving that satisfying crunch you want in your stir fry.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, blend the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil. Whisking these ingredients creates the flavorful, glossy sauce that makes this stir fry shine. The balance between salty, sweet, and peppery is key here.
Step 3: Steam the Bok Choy
Heat peanut oil in your wok or large skillet and add a splash of water. Add the bok choy, cover, and steam it gently until it’s tender yet still vibrant green. This technique ensures you get maximum flavor and texture without overcooking.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
Remove the bok choy and set it aside temporarily. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the cremini mushrooms. Cook until they’re golden brown and their earthy aroma fills your kitchen. This step is crucial as the caramelized fungi add amazing depth to the dish.
Step 5: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, and dried red chilies if you’re using them. Sauté just until fragrant, which only takes about a minute, allowing those fresh flavors to bloom and infuse the oil.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Thicken
Pour in your prepared sauce mixture, then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens into a shiny glaze that clings perfectly to every piece of mushroom and bok choy.
Step 7: Toss Bok Choy Back In
Finally, return the steamed bok choy to the pan and toss to coat with the luscious sauce. This brings everything together beautifully in a harmony of texture and flavor. Then your stir fry is ready to be garnished and served.
How to Serve Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop, sprinkle freshly toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts on top. A few more sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra sesame oil will brighten the flavors and charm your guests with a lovely presentation.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. If you want something lighter, serve it alongside quinoa or noodles — it’s versatile enough to complement so many bases without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, try serving the bok choy and mushroom stir fry in lettuce cups or wrapped in large collard green leaves for a fun, finger-food style meal. You could also spice it up by topping with a splash of chili oil or a squeeze of lime for a tangy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the vegetables crisp is easier if you allow the stir fry to cool slightly before sealing, preventing condensation which can make it soggy.
Freezing
This stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if necessary. Place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Keep in mind that the texture of bok choy may soften after freezing and reheating, so it’s ideal to eat it fresh when possible.
Reheating
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave to revive some of the original texture and flavor. Add a splash of water or a little oil to prevent sticking and gently heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use regular white mushrooms instead of cremini for this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! White mushrooms are milder but will still taste great. Just cook them until golden to bring out their flavor.
Is vegetarian oyster sauce necessary, or can I substitute it?
Vegetarian oyster sauce adds a unique richness but you can substitute it with vegetarian mushroom sauce or a splash more soy sauce if needed.
How spicy is this recipe with the dried chilies included?
The dried red chilies add a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming the dish. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer it mild.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time for this stir fry?
Yes! Wash and chop the bok choy and mushrooms, and prepare your aromatics in advance to make cooking faster and smoother.
What can I add to make this stir fry more filling?
Adding tofu, tempeh, or your favorite protein can bulk up the dish. Cashews or peanuts also add a nice crunch and protein boost.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simple, fresh flavors in this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe that makes it so easy to love. It’s an inviting dish you can quickly prepare any night of the week without sacrificing taste or nutrition. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find yourself coming back to it as one of your favorite go-to meals.
Print
Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry is a vibrant, savory dish featuring tender baby bok choy and golden cremini mushrooms cooked in a fragrant garlic-ginger sauce. Enhanced with soy, vegetarian oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry perfect as a side or light main.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb (450g) baby bok choy
- 1 lb (450g) cremini mushrooms, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2–3 dried red chilies (optional)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the bok choy: Trim the ends, rinse thoroughly, and halve the bok choy if the leaves are large to ensure even cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Steam bok choy: Heat peanut oil in a pan, add the bok choy along with 2 tablespoons of water, cover and steam until the bok choy is tender but still crisp. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook mushrooms: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and cook the halved cremini mushrooms over medium-high heat until they are browned and golden.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, and dried red chilies (if using) to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine sauce and thicken: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture along with the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Finish the stir-fry: Return the steamed bok choy to the pan and toss it gently to coat with the thickened sauce. Heat through, garnish if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, omit the dried red chilies.
- You can substitute cremini mushrooms with shiitake or button mushrooms.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian oyster sauce is a great plant-based alternative to traditional oyster sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the vegetarian oyster sauce is gluten-free.
