Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef

This quick and flavorful stir-fry combines tender-crisp bok choy with savory ground meat for a delicious, well-balanced meal. It’s an easy dish to whip up on busy weeknights and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir-fried bok choy with ground meat is a satisfying blend of protein and greens cooked in a savory-sweet sauce. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules. The garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce add authentic Asian-inspired flavors, while the optional Shaoxing wine and sesame oil take it to the next level. Plus, it’s highly versatile—you can use pork, beef, or even ground chicken depending on your preference.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground pork or beef

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 inch ginger, minced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (optional)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 head bok choy, chopped

• 2 tbsp sesame oil (optional)

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.

2. Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine (if using), brown sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, letting the sauce slightly thicken.

4. Add bok choy and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until wilted but still crisp-tender.

5. Drizzle with sesame oil (if using) before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 3–4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap bok choy for napa cabbage, spinach, or kale for a different green.

• Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option.

• Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for extra heat.

• Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for added veggies.

• For a lighter sauce, reduce the sugar or omit sesame oil.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

• This dish is best fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use baby bok choy instead of regular bok choy?

Yes, baby bok choy works perfectly and often cooks faster, making it ideal for stir-fries.

What meat works best for this recipe?

Ground pork is traditional, but ground beef, chicken, or turkey all work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.

What can I serve with this dish?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles make great pairings.

Is Shaoxing rice wine necessary?

It adds depth of flavor but is optional. You can replace it with a splash of dry sherry or omit it.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce.

How do I keep the bok choy crisp?

Stir-fry it quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking—it should be slightly wilted but still crunchy.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely. Cook it ahead and store in meal containers with rice for easy lunches.

Does it taste good without oyster sauce?

Yes, but oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor. If you don’t have it, substitute with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce.

How do I prevent the meat from clumping?

Break up the ground meat with a spatula while cooking and stir frequently.

Conclusion

Stir-fried bok choy with ground meat is a simple, versatile, and satisfying dish that balances protein and vegetables in one pan. With just a handful of pantry staples and under 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete and wholesome meal.

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