Grilled Bok Choy

Grilling vegetables is one of my favorite pastimes during the summer months, especially this Grilled Bok Choy! I needed something to pair with my Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken, so I decided to experiment with this Asian vegetable.

On the grill, the bok choy gets sweeter and caramelized. Paired with the sweet and spicy Asian flavors in the sauce, it's a great side dish for any meal. The leftovers are great as well. I added mine to some brown rice and chicken the next day for a delicious lunch!

Looking for more tasty grilled vegetables? Try this Grilled Broccoli, Grilled Onions, or Grilled Green Beans.

What is bok choy?

Bok Choy, also known as Chinese white cabbage, is a common vegetable in many Asian recipes, especially stir-fries. It's super crispy, has a flavor similar to cabbage, and can be eaten raw or cooked.

There are two types of bok choy, baby bok choy and the larger, mature bok choy. Baby bok choy tends to have a milder, sweeter flavor, while mature bok choy tends to have a more bitter flavor. When bok choy is cooked, it gets sweeter and takes on a bit of a nutty flavor.

What You Need to Make Bok Choy on the Grill

Here's what you'll need to make bok choy on the grill:

• Baby bok choy: For grilling, I find that baby bok choy is the best option. It is sweeter and cooks more quickly than the larger stems and leaves of mature bok choy.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is often used with bok choy since it is common in Asian recipes. Tamari, coconut aminos, or even salt could be swapped in if needed.
• Sesame oil: To bring out that delicious nutty flavor in baby bok choy, sesame oil is a tasty option. You could also use coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
• Rice vinegar: Adding an acid like rice vinegar makes the flavors bright and adds some zing. It also pairs well with the Asian flavors in this recipe. Lime juice would work as well.
• Sweet chili sauce: To add some sweetness and heat, Thai sweet chili sauce is a great addition to grilled bok choy. It's made with garlic, Thai red chili peppers, ginger, and sugar. The sugar in the sauce also helps to caramelize the bok choy and get those tasty grill marks. Teriyaki sauce would work well, or you can leave it out for a sugar-free option.

Cooking Tips for Grilling Baby Bok Choy

Here are some expert cooking tips for making this tasty vegetable side dish on the grill.

• Burning leaves: If the bok choy leaves are beginning to burn before the stalks are ready, simply place some foil below the leaves to prevent them from charring.
• Clean the grill: Always make sure your grill is clean so that the vegetables won't stick to the grill grates.
• Clean the bok choy: Make sure to clean the bok choy before grilling it since dirt and debris can get caught in the leaves and stems. Start by cutting the baby bok choy in half. Then, place it in a bowl of cold water and gently move with your hands. Remove from the water and dry well.
• Cut into pieces: For a faster option, cut the bok choy into smaller pieces and cook on a grill basket. It won't have the same beautiful presentation, but it will still taste delicious.
• Crisp: Cook the bok choy until it is crisp-tender. It should have some texture and crunch.
• Grill pan: This can also be cooked on a grill pan if you are preparing it indoors.

Seasoning Ideas

Once you start grilling bok choy, you'll discover there are so many different ways to prepare it. Here are some favorites:

• Garlic and black pepper: Brush the halved bok choy with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, lots of black pepper, and a few red chili flakes.
• Honey ginger: Combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey (or brown sugar), 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons of grated ginger. Brush half of the mixture on the bok choy before grilling. Then drizzle the remaining sauce on the bok choy when it comes off the grill. Finish with sesame seeds.
• Teriyaki: Brush the bok choy with teriyaki sauce before grilling, and then drizzle some extra on top when it comes off the grill.
• Lemon and garlic: Brush the bok choy with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. After grilling, squeeze fresh lemon juice over top.

What to Serve with Grilled Bok Choy

This dish works with almost any protein you are making on the grill, including chicken, salmon, steak, or pork. It pairs especially well with Asian-inspired recipes.

• Asian Turkey Burgers
• Thai Chicken Skewers
• Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna
• Grilled Tofu
• Grilled Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

Storing, Reheating, and Leftover Bok Choy Tips

Learn how to store and reheat leftover grilled bok choy and fun ways to use it again:

• Storage: Grilled bok choy will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Heat up a skillet over medium heat and gently reheat the bok choy until it's crisped up and heated through.
• Leftover ideas: Build your own Asian Rice Bowls with some rice protein of your choice, and toss some leftover grilled bok choy on the side! If you don't want to make grains, make some noodles instead for Asian Noodle Bowls and add the grilled bok choy.