After a whirlwind day of juggling work and errands, I often find myself yearning for something fresh and vibrant to brighten my dinner table. That’s when I turn to this delightful side dish: Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce and Peanuts. In just 15 minutes, I can whip up a plate of tender, glossy bok choy, rich in vitamins and bursting with flavor. The secret lies in the savory Asian sauce drizzled over it, which elevates this simple green into a star of the meal.
Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or need a quick, healthy accompaniment to complement grilled chicken or tofu on a busy weeknight, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s customizable for gluten-free diets and can be easily adapted based on your pantry staples. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s transform these fresh greens into a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Why Love Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce?
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Nutrient-Packed: Bok choy is low in calories but rich in vitamins C and K, ensuring every bite is good for you.
Flavor Explosion: The savory Asian sauce elevates the freshness of the greens, creating a delightful umami experience.
Versatile Side: Pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins or can stand alone as a vegetarian delight.
Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt with gluten-free options or add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
With these mouthwatering features, you’ll find that this dish is not just a recipe; it’s an exciting way to embrace healthy eating!
Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce Ingredients
• Elevate your meal with fresh greens!
For the Bok Choy
- Bok Choy – A nutritious base packed with vitamins C and K; consider using napa cabbage as a substitute for variety.
- Water – Used to create steam for cooking the bok choy, keeping it tender and vibrant.
For the Sauce
- Light Soy Sauce – Essential for adding umami flavor; substitute with gluten-free tamari if needed.
- Tamari Sauce – Ensures the dish is gluten-free while enriching the sauce’s depth.
- Hoisin Sauce – Brings sweetness and richness; you can replace it with oyster sauce for a different flavor.
- Garlic – A flavor enhancer; use garlic paste for a quick alternative.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – Infuses nuttiness, can be substituted with another oil, though flavor may diminish.
- Cornflour – An optional thickening agent for the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
- Peanut Oil – Perfect for sautéing; swap for vegetable oil if preferred.
For Serving
- Peanuts – Optional crunchy element that adds healthy fats; can be replaced with cashews or omitted entirely for nut-free diets.
- Optional Garnishes – Red chili, red capsicum, spring onion, cilantro, or parsley enhance color and flavor for an appealing presentation.
Now that you have all the ingredients lined up, let’s get cooking and transform these simple elements into an extraordinary plate of Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce and Peanuts!
How to Make Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce
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Prep Bok Choy: Wash your bok choy thoroughly, then slice it in half lengthwise. Arrange the halves in the Varoma dish for optimal steaming.
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Chop Peanuts: If you’re using peanuts, add them to the Thermomix and chop for 3 seconds on speed 5. Set these crunchy nuggets aside for later.
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Prepare Sauce: Add garlic to the Thermomix and chop for 3 seconds on speed 8. Next, combine light soy sauce, tamari, hoisin, cornflour, water, sesame oil, and peanut oil. Mix for 5 seconds on speed 6 until well-blended.
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Steam Bok Choy: Place the Varoma with bok choy on top of the Thermomix lid. Steam for 8-10 minutes at Varoma setting and speed 3 until tender and vibrant green.
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Serve: Gently arrange the steamed bok choy on a plate, drizzle with the prepared sauce, and sprinkle with peanuts and any other optional garnishes. Enjoy alongside rice or your favorite protein!
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce and Peanuts?
Transform your meal into a delightful feast with the perfect pairings for this vibrant side dish.
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Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, jasmine rice absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, making every bite a pleasure.
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Grilled Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken adds a satisfying contrast; the smoky notes enhance the freshness of the bok choy perfectly.
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Tofu Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian option, a colorful stir-fry will complement the bok choy, while offering a variety of textures and flavors.
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Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad paired with fresh herbs provides a nutritious contrast and gives an extra crunch that balances the soft bok choy.
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Sesame Noodles: Hearty sesame noodles coated in a light sauce match the Asian theme, making your meal feel cohesive and comforting.
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Chilled Sake: Refreshing lavender notes of sake bring a lightness that pairs well with the bok choy’s earthy flavors.
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Mango Sorbet: End your meal with a scoop of mango sorbet; its tropical sweetness cleanses the palate after the savory dish.
With these exciting pairings, your Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce and Peanuts will shine as the star of any dinner table!
Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce Variations
Get ready to elevate your dish! Here are some delightful twists you can try with this recipe.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute light soy sauce with gluten-free tamari for a gluten-sensitive option without losing flavor.
- Nut-Free: Omit peanuts entirely or swap with crispy sunflower seeds for that satisfying crunch without nuts.
- Add Crunch: Toss in sliced bell peppers or snow peas along with the bok choy for extra color and texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the sauce for a fiery kick that ignites your taste buds.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate a handful of fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro to add an aromatic touch and freshness.
- Oyster Sauce: If you’re not vegetarian, consider replacing hoisin with oyster sauce for an extra layer of umami.
- Sesame Variation: Replace peanuts with sesame seeds or drizzle sesame oil for a nutty depth without actual nuts.
- Vegetable Medley: Mix in other vibrant greens like kale or spinach alongside bok choy for a nutritious and colorful side.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect version of this delightful side dish!
Expert Tips for Steamed Bok Choy
Perfect Texture: Ensure you steam bok choy just until tender, about 8-10 minutes, to keep its vibrant color and nutritional benefits.
Sauce Balance: Taste the sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more hoisin or soy sauce as needed.
Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, simply omit the peanuts or substitute them with crispy toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
Storage Reminder: Store any leftover steamed bok choy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but understand the texture may change slightly.
Servings Ideas: Serve your Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce and Peanuts as a colorful side to grilled chicken, tofu, or a hearty grain bowl!
Make Ahead Options
These Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce and Peanuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can wash and slice the bok choy up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crispness. Additionally, the savory sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just mix all the sauce ingredients and store it tightly sealed to keep it flavorful. When ready to serve, simply steam the bok choy as instructed and drizzle with the chilled sauce for a quick finish. This way, you’ll have a delicious, healthy side at your fingertips, requiring minimal effort during busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Steamed Bok Choy
Fridge: Store any leftover steamed bok choy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain flavor and freshness.
Freezer: Avoid freezing steamed bok choy, as this can worsen its texture, leading to a mushy outcome once thawed.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warm to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
Serving Reminder: Always serve your steamed bok choy with Asian sauce fresh to fully appreciate its delicate flavors and crunch!
Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce and Peanuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe bok choy?
When choosing bok choy, look for firm, crisp leaves without any yellowing or dark spots. The stems should be white and should snap easily rather than bending. If you see water or moisture on the leaves, that’s a good sign of freshness!
How should I store leftover steamed bok choy?
Store leftover steamed bok choy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that while it may remain edible, the texture can change, becoming a bit softer. Always try to enjoy it fresh for the best taste!
Can I freeze steamed bok choy?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing steamed bok choy, as the texture usually suffers. If you find yourself with leftovers, it’s best to keep them refrigerated and consume them within 2 days to enjoy the freshness. If you must freeze, blanch the bok choy before steaming it, then freeze it raw in a single layer. When you’re ready to use it, just steam directly from frozen!
What if my bok choy is overcooked?
If your bok choy has overcooked and become too wilted or mushy, it’s best to serve it as a flavorful addition to soups or stir-fries where the texture isn’t as noticeable. For future attempts, keep an eye on it while steaming – 8 to 10 minutes is usually perfect for tender but still vibrant bok choy.
Are there any dietary considerations I should know?
Absolutely! For gluten-free diets, simply swap the light soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and ensure the hoisin sauce is also gluten-free. If you have nut allergies, either eliminate the peanuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
Can I adapt this recipe to include more vegetables?
Very! You can add sliced bell peppers or snap peas alongside the bok choy for added color and crunch. Just remember to adjust the steaming time slightly for any additional vegetables to ensure they cook evenly!
Delicious Steamed Bok Choy with Asian Sauce & Peanuts in 15 Mins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash your bok choy thoroughly, then slice it in half lengthwise. Arrange the halves in the Varoma dish for optimal steaming.
- If using peanuts, add them to the Thermomix and chop for 3 seconds on speed 5. Set aside.
- Add garlic to the Thermomix and chop for 3 seconds on speed 8. Combine light soy sauce, tamari, hoisin, cornflour, water, sesame oil, and peanut oil. Mix for 5 seconds on speed 6.
- Place the Varoma with bok choy on top of the Thermomix lid. Steam for 8-10 minutes at Varoma setting and speed 3.
- Gently arrange the steamed bok choy on a plate, drizzle with the sauce, and sprinkle with peanuts and garnishes.