How to cook bok choy for ramen & more bok choy recipes

Ramen, with its savory broth and delightful noodles, is a beloved dish enjoyed by many. Have you ever considered adding bok choy to your ramen? This leafy green vegetable, known for its crisp texture and hearty flavor, can make your ramen much more impressive! Not only does bok choy add a refreshing crunch to the dish, but it also brings a range of health benefits. Let’s explore how to cook it for ramen.

How to Cook Bok Choy for Ramen?

There are a couple of easy methods to cook bok choy for ramen you can try: directly boil bok choy in broth or steam it separately. Both are easy although the second method will take more time.

Method 1: Boiling Bok Choy in the Ramen Broth

  1. Baby bok choy would be a more suitable option for to cook for ramen as it is sweeter in smaller size. Wash the bok choy thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim off the ends of the bok choy stalks a bit but still keep the leaves stick together.
  2. Slice the bok choy. Carefully cut the bok choy in half lengthwise, creating two halves. If you prefer smaller portion, you can cut it into 4 equal parts or split the leaves one by one.
  3. While the ramen broth is simmering, add the bok choy to the boiling broth. Carefully place the bok choy halves into it and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes. You can adjust the cooking time depending on your preference for the tenderness of the bok choy.
  4. Check for doneness. After the allotted cooking time, use a pair of tongs or a slotted spoon to remove one piece of bok choy from the boiling water. Allow it to cool slightly and taste to ensure it has reached the desired tenderness. If it’s still too crisp, continue cooking for another minute or so.
  5. Add the bok choy to your ramen bowl. Take a serving bowl and place the cooked ramen noodles in it. Pour the prepared ramen broth over the noodles. Then, gently place the boiled bok choy halves on top of the noodles.
how to cook bok choy for ramen
Incorporate bok choy with ramen

Method 2: Steaming Bok Choy with Ginger and Soy Sauce

Although steaming method is not as convenient as the first one, it can help to remain all the vitamin and nutrition value of vegetables, as well as keep the original taste of them. Besides, you can also enjoy steamed bok choy as a side dish to complement more fibers to the daily meal.

Just follow a few steps below:

  1. Wash and prep the bok choy. Similar to the first method to cook bok choy for ramen, begin by thoroughly washing the bok choy under running water. Trim off the ends of the bok choy stalks and cut it into 2 halves or 4 quarters.
  2. Prepare a steamer. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and place a steamer basket or a steaming rack inside. Make sure the water level is below the steamer, as you don’t want the water to touch the bok choy during steaming.
  3. Add flavorings. Peel a piece of fresh ginger and slice it into thin rounds. Scatter the ginger slices over the bottom of the steamer or on top of the steaming rack. The ginger will infuse the bok choy with its aromatic flavor.
  4. Steam the bok choy. Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the water to come to a boil, creating steam. Once steam is generated, carefully place the bok choy pieces on top of the ginger slices in the steamer. Make sure they are evenly spread out to ensure even cooking. Steam for 5-7 minutes or until it becomes tender but still retains its vibrant green color.
  5. Serve with ramen. Top the noodles with the steamed bok choy dressed in soy sauce.

These detailed instructions will help you achieve perfectly cooked bok choy for your ramen, whether you choose to boil it in the broth or steam it with ginger. Enjoy the delightful crunch and mild flavor that bok choy brings to your ramen experience.

Other Bok Choy Dishes

Steamed bok choy with fried onion

Bok choy is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in various ways, offering a range of delicious options beyond ramen. Beside steamed bok choy dish (as instructed above) served with fried onion, here are some enticing bok choy dishes you can explore:

Bok Choy Soup with Minced Beef

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 Bok choy
  • 100g (1/2 cup) Minced beef
  • 1 small piece of ginger, grated
  • A garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Wash the bok choy thoroughly, trim off the ends, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat a pot over medium heat and add the minced beef and minced garlic. Cook until it is browned and cooked through.
  3. Pour in the vegetable or beef broth or even still water, enough to cover the ingredients. Bring the soup to a boil.
  4. Once the soup is boiling, add bok choy pieces and grated ginger to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bok choy is tender.
  5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and serve the bok choy soup hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors and nourishing qualities of this dish.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 Bok choy
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small piece of ginger, grated
  • Vegetable oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Wash the bok choy thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut it into manageable-sized pieces.
  2. Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add some vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the surface.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
  4. Add the bok choy pieces and ginger to the wok and toss them with the garlic oil. Continue to stir-fry for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the bok choy leaves have wilted slightly and become tender.
  5. Drizzle soy sauce over the bok choy and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat the bok choy with the flavors.
  6. Transfer the stir-fried bok choy to a serving dish, top with fried onion, and serve it as a delightful side dish. The combination of garlic, ginger, fried onion and soy sauce will bring out the natural flavors of the bok choy.

These recipes provide exciting alternatives to enjoy the versatility of bok choy beyond its use in ramen. Explore these dishes and savor the unique flavors and textures that bok choy brings to the table.

Nutrition Facts in Bok Choy

Bok choy is not only a tasty addition to your ramen but also a nutrient powerhouse. This leafy green is low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some key nutrition facts about bok choy:

  • Vitamin C: Bok choy is an excellent source of vitamin C, providing a boost to your immune system and promoting collagen production for healthy skin.
  • Vitamin A: It is also rich in vitamin A, which supports good vision and helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes.
  • Vitamin K: Bok choy contains vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health.
  • Calcium: This vegetable is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
  • Fiber: Additionally, bok choy provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut.

Bok choy is an interesting addition to ramen, enhancing both the taste and nutritional value of the dish. Whether you choose to boil it in the ramen broth or steam it with ginger, bok choy brings a refreshing element to your bowl of noodles. Don’t limit yourself to ramen—explore other how to cook bok choy for various dishes, such as creating a bok choy soup with minced beef, or stir-frying it with garlic and ginger. With its myriad health benefits, bok choy is a vegetable that deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you prepare a bowl of ramen, don’t forget to add some bok choy and elevate your dining experience.

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