Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, this Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat is just what you need. It’s the perfect blend of tender bok choy, savory ground meat, and a zesty stir-fry sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a side to complement a bigger meal, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

This dish is exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s light but hearty, savory yet fresh, and comes together in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens without it feeling like a chore. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat

Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

Quick and Easy

Stir-fries are one of those magic meals that come together in 20 minutes or less. This dish is no exception! With minimal prep and a super fast cook time, you can have a flavorful meal on the table in no time.

Healthy and Nutritious

Bok choy is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, making it a perfect choice for a healthful meal. Combine that with lean ground meat, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only delicious but good for you too!

Customizable

Feel free to mix things up! You can use ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also play with the sauce—add a little extra soy sauce for saltiness or some chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Savory, Flavor-packed Sauce

The sauce that coats the bok choy and meat is a beautiful balance of salty, umami-rich, and just the right amount of sweetness. It pulls everything together in the most delicious way!

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

This recipe is the ideal weeknight meal—simple, fast, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re feeding!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this simple, yet flavorful Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat:

For the Stir-Fry:

• Bok choy: This vibrant green vegetable is tender yet crunchy, and it’s perfect for stir-frying.
• Ground meat: Choose from ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even pork. The meat adds richness and heartiness to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with that lovely aromatic flavor that brings everything together.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a nice little kick and a refreshing note to the stir-fry.
• Green onions: These are perfect for a burst of fresh flavor and a bit of color.

For the Sauce:

• Soy sauce: The savory base of the sauce that gives the stir-fry its depth.
• Oyster sauce: This adds a touch of sweetness and umami to balance the saltiness.
• Rice vinegar: The vinegar adds a nice tang and helps balance the richness of the meat.
• Sesame oil: A little drizzle of sesame oil brings that signature nutty flavor to the dish.
• Sugar: Just a touch to round out the sauce with a hint of sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce just enough to coat the meat and vegetables.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to put this flavorful dish together:

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch. Set this aside, as it will be the magic that brings all the flavors together.

Cook the Ground Meat

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat if necessary, then transfer the cooked meat to a plate and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and heat over medium-high. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the bok choy. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes until the bok choy wilts but still has some crunch. You want it to be tender but not mushy!

Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked ground meat back to the skillet with the bok choy. Stir everything together. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the dish is heated through.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your stir-fried bok choy with ground meat hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 70mg
  Sodium: 890mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 30g
  Vitamin D: 0mcg
  Calcium: 90mg
  Iron: 3mg
  Potassium: 600mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat

This stir-fry is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to pair it with something extra, here are some tasty options:

Steamed Rice

A simple bowl of steamed white or brown rice is the perfect companion to soak up the savory sauce.

Noodles

For a heartier dish, serve this stir-fry over a bed of noodles—rice noodles or soba noodles work wonderfully.

Pickled Vegetables

A small side of pickled vegetables, like pickled carrots or cucumbers, will add a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory stir-fry.

Asian-style Soup

Serve a light miso soup or a simple broth-based soup alongside for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this stir-fry:

Make It Spicy

If you like some heat, add a sliced chili pepper or some chili flakes to the stir-fry. You can even add a drizzle of chili oil at the end for extra spice.

Use Other Vegetables

You can add or substitute other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas, to give the dish more variety.

Make It a Meal Prep Dish

This stir-fry is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch, portion it out into containers, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Adjust the Sauce

If you like a more intense sauce, feel free to add more soy sauce or oyster sauce. If you prefer something a little lighter, cut back on the sugar or use a low-sodium soy sauce.

Add Tofu for a Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian option, simply replace the ground meat with tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture and crumble it before stir-frying.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different green vegetable instead of bok choy?
A1: Yes! You can use other leafy greens like spinach, napa cabbage, or Swiss chard. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Just replace the ground meat with tofu, tempeh, or even a mix of vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Q3: How can I make this stir-fry spicier?
A3: Add some chopped chili peppers, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the stir-fry for an extra kick.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the stir-fry in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.

Q5: Can I use frozen bok choy?
A5: While fresh bok choy is preferred for its texture, you can use frozen bok choy if that’s all you have. Just be aware that frozen bok choy may be a bit softer after cooking.

Q6: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A6: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can dissolve a little more cornstarch in water and add it to the dish as it simmers.

Q7: Can I substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free option?
A7: Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q9: Can I add more protein?
A9: Yes, you can add extra protein such as shrimp, chicken, or even a mix of ground meats to the stir-fry.

Q10: Can I use a different kind of oil for stir-frying?
A10: Absolutely! While sesame oil adds a great flavor, you can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil for stir-frying.

Conclusion

This Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat is the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and easy-to-make. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ve got a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite protein or spice level. Enjoy!

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