Bok Choy and Shrimp is a quick, flavorful stir-fry that combines tender shrimp with crisp, vibrant bok choy in a savory garlic-soy sauce. This light yet satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balance of protein and greens in every bite. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why Bok Choy and Shrimp Are a Perfect Match
Bok choy, a member of the cabbage family, is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, while also being low in calories. It has a mild flavor, which makes it versatile enough to pair with various ingredients.
Tips and Tricks for Making Bok Choy and Shrimp
Cooking shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. As soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Bok choy prep: For even cooking, slice baby bok choy in half. If using larger bok choy, chop into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the vegetable is washed thoroughly to remove dirt hiding in the stems.
Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in two tablespoons of water. This will create a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Flavor variations: Feel free to adjust the flavors. Add chili flakes for heat, or use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for tang or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for texture.
Pan choice: Use a wok for best results, as it distributes heat evenly. However, a large skillet will also work well if that’s what you have on hand.
Recipe Variations
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for more texture and flavor variety. These veggies work well with bok choy and shrimp and increase the nutritional profile of the dish.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Bok Choy: Swap out the Asian-inspired sauces for garlic and butter. Melt butter in the pan, sauté garlic, and add shrimp. Once cooked, add bok choy and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh twist.
Spicy Bok Choy and Shrimp: Incorporate red chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick. The heat contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the shrimp and the mild bok choy.
Bok Choy and Shrimp Soup: Make a hearty soup by adding shrimp and bok choy to a miso or chicken broth. Toss in some noodles or wontons for extra comfort.
How to Serve Bok Choy and Shrimp
This dish is best served hot, directly from the skillet. Pair it with:
- Jasmine or basmati rice: The fluffy rice absorbs the flavorful sauce and complements the shrimp.
- Noodles: Toss the shrimp and bok choy with noodles like rice noodles, udon, or lo mein for a hearty stir-fry bowl.
- Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice, which adds a light and grainy texture without extra carbs.
For an elegant dinner, serve alongside a light salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
How to Store and Reheat Bok Choy and Shrimp
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain freshness.
Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bok choy will continue to soften as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the dish from drying out. Avoid reheating shrimp in the microwave, as it can become rubber
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly in this dish. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for bok choy?
If bok choy isn’t available, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. However, bok choy’s unique crunch and mild flavor are hard to replace completely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, omit the shrimp and substitute with tofu or mushrooms. Both provide a hearty texture that pairs well with the stir-fry sauce.
Bok Choy and Shrimp
Bok Choy and Shrimp is a quick, flavorful stir-fry that combines tender shrimp with crisp, vibrant bok choy in a savory garlic-soy sauce.
Ingredients
Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry/sake; rice wine vinegar works too)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup green peas (thawed if frozen)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp Chinkiang black vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp chili garlic paste (optional)
Garlicky Bok Choy
- 1 1/2 lbs baby bok choy (6–8 bunches, trimmed)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
Instructions
Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, mix shrimp with rice wine, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle cornstarch, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Cook the Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a hot wok or skillet until shimmering. Add scallions and stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp (listen for the sizzle!) and cook, tossing occasionally, until pink (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in peas, chili garlic paste, and vinegar. Mix well and serve immediately.
Garlicky Bok Choy
- Sauté the Bok Choy: Heat oil in a hot wok or skillet until shimmering. Toss in garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add bok choy (it should sizzle!) and sauté quickly to coat in oil.
- Add chicken stock, lower heat, and cover to steam for about 5 minutes, until tender and vibrant green.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 297Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 240mgSodium 1494mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 30g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Bok Choy and Shrimp is a satisfying, healthy, and flavorful dish that is sure to become a weeknight favorite. With its quick preparation and versatility, it’s perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious on your plate. Plus, this recipe is endlessly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your tastes.
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