Are you familiar with Joi Choi? This was a first for me. Once I saw it, I realized it was in the Bok Choy or Pak Choi family. I had never cooked bok choy before this. So, I was grateful for Jaden’s tips. She makes everything look so simple. In this case, it really was that easy.
My husband and I liked this a lot, although the kids were not thrilled about it. Next time I make this, I’m probably going to trim and save the stems for stir-fry and soups (I think they would work better that way).
The leaves were our favorite part of the saute, still crisp and warm from the skillet, coated in garlic and ginger.
Garlicky Ginger Joi Choi
Recipe slightly adapted from and with thanks to Steamy Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs joi choi bok choy or pak choi
- 1 1/2 tablespoons light flavored olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger peeled and then minced
- 3 tablespoons water
- course sea salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Trim the very end off of the joi choi and then gently separate the leaves from the center. Leave the little baby bok choy intact in the center. (The little center pieces were perfectly tender - we loved them.) Rinse clean under cold running water. Drain and set aside.
- In a COLD frying pan, add the olive oil, the garlic and the ginger. Then turn on the heat to medium. When the pan is fragrant, add the joi choi and toss very well to coat each and every leaf with the garlic and ginger oil. Increase heat to medium high and continue tossing (fast!) for about 15 seconds. Add the water and cover for 1 minute. Season with salt and drizzle a bit of sesame oil on top. Enjoy!
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Three-Cookies says
Never heard of joi choi. I like bak choy cooked this way though, we call it Chinese cabbage.
E @ Act Fast Chef says
I have never heard of joi choi either! This looks simple and yummy – my kind of recipe!
Joanne says
I've never heard of or seen joi choi! I have a feeling there are my veggies in the bok choy family that elude me. I love the sound of hte sauce for this marinade. Garlic and ginger are staples in my life!
Becki's Whole Life says
I have never heard of joi choi – was this in your CSA basket. How much fun to receive so many different veggies (as long as you are willing to figure out what to do with them.)
I do love Baby Bok Choi, but I agree on the stems…the greens are great but as you get further down they don't hold a whole lot of flavor. This sounds like a great way to prepare them – lots of flavor.
Mary says
Yes, this was in my CSA box as well. I have had a blast playing with all of the new vegetables this week.
Jenn says
Is joi choi the same as baby bok choy? If so, I have had it.. if not.. never heard of it.. but I know I would love it. Especially with a garlicky ginger glaze to it!!
Mary says
I think it's a different variety of bok choy. This was a full size vegetable. I'm just having way too much fun figuring out how to use all the new veggies I'm trying.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
Very nice and very healthy. we love bok choy – just cooked it at the weekend and have been meaning to post it!
mary x
Geni says
This looks so tasty! It's cool that your family will eat more adventurous foods. Mine is so meat and potatoes…it makes it hard for me to be more creative and make more multicultural menus.
Big Dude says
Lokks real good Mary and now I know what Joi Choi is
Ma What's For Dinner says
Mary, I LOVE bok choy so I'm sure I'd love this!!! Looks like a joy…ha ha…get it???
Words Of Deliciousness says
I have never eaten joi Choi and I don't think I have ever heard of it before. Although I have heard of bok choy I have never eaten it.
Gloria says
Mary look really delicious!!!!
Elpiniki says
Naver tried anything like this but I find it really interesting!
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A Walk to Serenity says
Mary what we cooked for you guys last year with the garlic scapes, some bacon grease and sea salt, is very much like this. I grow a variety called Win-Win, they are both in the Pac Choi family. Cant wait to try this one 🙂
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
A perfectly beautiful dish! I bet it smelled wonderful.
Chris says
Jaden does rock, and she is friendly and helpful as all get out!
Have never seen joi choi but it does look similar to bok choy, doesn't it?
D. Wallace Peach says
My husband planted joi choi in the garden and we are overflowing. I’m going to give this a try. Thanks for the recipe!