Name: Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular oyster sauce); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 lb baby bok choy, cut to large bite-size pieces; Pinch of salt; 2 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil; 1 lb brown mushrooms, halved or quartered if large; 4 dried Chinese chili peppers; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, minced; 2 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 60 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish to brighten up your dinner table, the Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish perfectly balances the tender earthiness of mushrooms with the crisp freshness of bok choy, all bathed in a gingery, garlicky brown sauce that brings warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether you want a light side or a satisfying main over steamed rice, this stir fry is versatile, adaptable, and downright delicious—ready in just about 23 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different fresh ingredients. The largest bowl at the bottom right is filled with small brown mushrooms, some whole and some sliced in half, showing their light beige inside. To the top right, a white bowl holds fresh green bok choy, each piece cut in half, revealing white stalks and dark green leafy tops. At the top left, a smaller clear bowl holds chopped garlic, ginger, and green onions, all finely diced and mixed. Below it, another small clear bowl contains three whole dried red chili peppers. A medium-sized clear glass bowl near the center holds a dark soy sauce mixture with a spoon inside. On the bottom left, a plain white bowl contains a thick white liquid with a spoon resting in it. Near this bowl is a tiny clear glass bowl with salt. The ingredients are neatly spaced and ready for cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making the Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe stunning. Each item plays an essential role, contributing to the complexity of taste, delightful textures, and an inviting mix of colors that make this dish so appealing.

Baby bok choy: Use fresh, large bite-sized pieces for that perfect crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color.
Brown mushrooms: Halved or quartered, they offer a deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture that balances beautifully with the greens.
Peanut oil: Ideal for stir frying due to its high smoke point and subtle nutty taste.
Chinese dried chili peppers: These add a gentle kick and a touch of warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Garlic cloves and ginger thumb: Minced for that essential aromatic base that wakes up your taste buds instantly.
Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
Soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce: These combine to bring a deep umami richness; switch to tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce if you want a gluten-free option.
Sugar and black pepper: Tiny touches that balance savory and spicy notes perfectly.
Sesame oil: Just a hint at the end to lift the flavors with its distinct aromatic profile.
Cornstarch and water (slurry): Used to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.
Water: Needed for steaming bok choy and to help bring the sauce together smoothly.

How to Make Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Slurry

Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl—this simple combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil creates a beautiful, flavorful foundation. In another bowl, stir together cornstarch and water for the slurry, which will thicken your sauce perfectly in the final step. Setting these aside early helps keep your cooking flow smooth and speedy.

Step 2: Steam the Baby Bok Choy

Heat about 1/4 cup of water in a large skillet until it’s hot. Add the baby bok choy with a pinch of salt, cover, and steam for a total of one minute (splitting it into two 30-second intervals while stirring once). This method softens the greens just right while keeping their crisp freshness intact. Once done, transfer them to a large platter to rest—this quick steaming step locks in their vibrant color and crunch.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Wipe the pan clean and add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil. Turn the heat to high and add the mushrooms. Resist the urge to stir immediately—let them sear for about a minute to develop a beautiful brown crust. Flip and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the pan dries out, intensifying their flavor and texture beautifully.

Step 4: Stir Fry Aromatics and Chili Peppers

Push the mushrooms to one side of the pan. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil on the empty side, then add dried chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Stir these aromatics just until the chili peppers darken and the fragrant smells envelop your kitchen. This step brings a fiery, fragrant complexity that wakes up the entire dish.

Step 5: Combine All and Finish Cooking

Add the steamed bok choy back into the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir quickly for about 30 seconds to coat everything evenly. Swirl the slurry once more to recombine, then pour it in and cook, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Once everything is beautifully melded together, transfer your stir fry to a serving dish and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe

A white plate holds a stir-fried dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is a shiny brown sauce covering the plate, while the top layer has bright green baby bok choy with textured leafy parts and pale stalks, mixed with sliced brown mushrooms that have a soft, cooked look. Scattered on top are a few whole dried red chili peppers adding contrast with their deep red color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with black chopsticks placed to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this delicious Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe, try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro on top. These little touches add a nutty crunch or fresh vibrancy that bring the dish to life and make it pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is wonderfully versatile. Serve it on its own as a satisfying vegan main, or pair it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all that gorgeous saucy goodness. Fried rice or noodles are also exceptional companions that can turn your meal into a hearty feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe wrapped in lettuce cups or as a filling inside steamed bao buns. This presentation adds texture contrasts and makes for a delightful appetizer or party finger food. You can even top it with crushed peanuts or sliced fresh chili for an extra kick of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

While fresh bok choy can become slightly wilted when frozen, the mushrooms freeze well. For best results, separate the sauce and vegetables before freezing. Place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This will help revive the texture and keep all those wonderful flavors fresh and inviting without turning the vegetables soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brown mushrooms are recommended for their robust flavor and texture, shiitake, cremini, or even oyster mushrooms work wonderfully and bring their own unique characteristics to the Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari and use a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative. This keeps the rich, umami flavors intact without the gluten, making the dish perfect for sensitive stomachs.

Can I add protein to the stir fry?

Definitely! Tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken breast can all be added to make the dish more substantial. Be sure to cook the protein separately or beforehand and then incorporate it during the final sauce step for best results.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I leave out the chili peppers?

Yes, you can omit the dried chili peppers or substitute them with a milder pepper to suit your taste. The dish will still have tons of flavor thanks to the garlic, ginger, and savory sauce components.

How long does the stir fry take to make?

This Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 23 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast, wholesome meal on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how easy and satisfying it is to whip up this Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe, I encourage you to give it a try soon. Its fresh ingredients, simple steps, and vibrant flavors come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting on your plate. This recipe is proof that quick cooking can still be full of heart and deliciousness—enjoy every bite!