Sautéed Bok Choy with Carrots and Peppers – A Bright, Crunchy Veggie Side

Written by Sarah Gardner

This colorful sautéed bok choy with carrots and bell peppers is one of those feel-good dishes that looks just as good as it tastes. It's vibrant, quick to whip up, and the perfect way to sneak more veggies into your day. I started making this when I needed a break from heavy meals but still wanted something satisfying and packed with flavor. With tender-crisp bok choy, sweet carrots, and slightly charred peppers, this is one of those healthy side dishes that fits perfectly into balanced meals and gives off serious Asian vegetable vibes. It’s also a great introduction if you're just learning how to cook bok choy—easy, forgiving, and totally delicious.

Sautéed Bok Choy with Carrots and Peppers

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet or wok Ideal for quick, high-heat cooking common in Chinese cooking recipes.
  • Cutting board and sharp knife For prepping those pretty veggie slices.
  • Tongs or wooden spoon For gently tossing the vegetables without breaking them up.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby bok choy or pak choi, cleaned and halved
  • 1 large carrot peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil for extra flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp oyster sauce optional but adds great depth
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds chili flakes

Instructions
 

Prep your vegetables

  1. Rinse the bok choy thoroughly, especially between the stems. Slice the carrots and peppers into thin strips for even cooking.

Sauté aromatics

  1. Heat oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the carrots and peppers

  1. Add the sliced carrots and peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften.

Add bok choy

  1. Toss in the bok choy and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Let the stalks stay a little crisp—it adds great texture.

Flavor it up

  1. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for another minute. Taste and add salt if needed.

Serve

  1. Top with sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired. Serve hot as a healthy side or pair it with rice or noodles.

Pairings

This dish works beautifully as one of your go-to Asian veggie sides. Pair it with grilled chicken, tofu stir-fry, or miso-glazed salmon for a wholesome dinner. You could even toss it into a noodle bowl for a quick recipe bokchoy noodles variation. And if you’re looking to expand your list of healthy lunch recipes, serve it cold with a drizzle of sesame dressing and some shredded chicken. It also makes a tasty, nutritious addition to a light Asian soup, adding color and crunch.

FAQs

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

Yes—just chop the stalks and leaves into bite-sized pieces. Regular bok choy is slightly more fibrous, so give it a minute or two longer in the pan.

2. Is bok choy the same as pak choi or boo choy?

They’re all names for the same leafy green veggie, popular in choy recipes and often featured in Asian vegetable recipes. Boo choy is just a fun nickname some people use!

3. Can I swap out any of the vegetables?

Definitely. Try adding snow peas, mushrooms, or even thinly sliced celery for crunch—especially if you’re browsing celery recipes or looking to clean out the fridge.

4. Do I need oyster sauce?

It’s optional but adds a rich, umami flavor that’s common in Chinese cooking. If you prefer to keep it vegetarian, try mushroom sauce or just stick with soy and sesame.

5. Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. This is one of those healthy side dishes that keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely. It makes a fantastic base for grain bowls or quick lunch wraps.

Copyright 2025 The Hungry Goddess, all rights reserved.