Garlic Soy Grilled Bok Choy

Garlic Soy Grilled Whole Bok Choy is a flavorful dish that combines the earthy, slightly bitter taste of bok choy with a savory marinade, resulting in a beautifully charred and tender vegetable dish. The final presentation is enhanced with the zesty brightness of grilled lemon, the fresh bite of green onions, and the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Baby bok choy is chosen for its delicate texture, mild flavor, and handling ability, making it an ideal candidate for grilling. The base of the marinade is a blend of extra virgin olive oil and sesame oil, providing a rich, nutty base. Minced garlic adds a pungent depth, while rice vinegar introduces a slight tang. Honey balances the savory elements with sweetness, and fish sauce contributes a subtle umami flavor. Red pepper flakes give a gentle heat, rounding out the complex marinade.

The baby bok choy is marinated in this flavorful mixture for at least 30 minutes, ensuring each bite is infused with the marinade’s wonderful flavor.

Preheating the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 230°C), ensures that the bok choy cooks evenly and quickly. The marinated bok choy is grilled for 4-5 minutes per until the bok choy is charred and tender.

Halved lemons are also grilled in addition to the bok choy. The heat caramelizes the lemon’s natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and reducing acidity. The grilled lemons are squeezed over the bok choy just before serving, adding a citrus flavor that brightens the dish.

The grilled bok choy is garnished with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The green onions provide a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the grilled bok choy. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

Garlic Soy Grilled Whole Bok Choy is a versatile side dish or vegetarian main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu, complementing the protein with its bright and savory profile. It’s a great addition to a bowl of steamed rice or quinoa, creating a complete and nutritious meal.

This dish is perfect for outdoor barbecues, dinner parties, or a simple weeknight meal. Its ease of preparation and depth of flavor make it a standout dish that is sure to impress. Grilled bok choy combined with citrusy, nutty, and fresh elements makes every bite a delightful experience.

Garlic Soy Grilled Bok Choy

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Cuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

45

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Garlic Soy Grilled Whole Bok Choy is a savory and tangy dish featuring marinated bok choy grilled perfectly and topped with grilled lemon, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 6 baby bok choy

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 lemons, halved

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Prepare Marinade:
  Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, honey, fish sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper.
• Marinate Bok Choy:
  Place the whole bok choy in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the bok choy, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
• Grill Bok Choy and Lemon:
  Preheat your grill to medium-high heat 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 230°C).
  
  Brush the cut sides of the lemon halves with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Place the lemons cut side down on the grill and cook until they are slightly charred and caramelized, 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  
  Remove the bok choy from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Place the whole bok choy on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the bok choy is tender and has nice grill marks.
• Finish and Serve:
  Transfer the grilled bok choy to a serving platter. Squeeze the grilled lemon over the bok choy for added flavor. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

• Toasting Method: To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
• Minimum Marination: Allow the bok choy to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors start to penetrate the vegetable. Marinate the bok choy for up to 1 hour for a more intense flavor. Beyond this time, the marinade might begin to break down the texture of the bok choy.