Baby bok choy has mild tasting tender rib stalks and crisp leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be seared, sautéed or steamed and the stalk will retain its crunchy texture.
Baby bok choy is one of the most common Asian vegetable in the United States and a member of the cabbage family. It is available at most major grocery stores and available year-round. Baby bok choy is the young and more tender version of bok choy. The stalks are spoon-shaped at the base, and they have medium sized leaves that are thin and firm.
What does it taste like?
Baby bok choy tastes mellow with a mild peppery spice that is similar to cabbage. When cooked the stalks retain their shape and almost taste creamy. The leaves become tender and soft with an earthy flavor.
When is it available?
It is available year round, the peak season is during winter.
How to store baby bok choy
Store baby bok choy in your refrigerator crisper drawer. Wrapping it in a paper towel before putting it into a plastic bag will increase its storage time. It will last a few days before the stalks will start to show signs of browning and softening.
How to prepare baby bok choy?
Make sure to wash the baby bok choy well because like celery there is a the tight cluster of stalks attached at a bulb that can hide dirt. It is easiest to wash after pulling off the stalks. When cooking the bok choy whole trying soaking in clean cold water for a few minutes to remove any dirt or creatures.
Why and how to eat baby bok choy?
Baby bok choy is versatile because it can be eaten raw in a salad or sautéed, steamed, or added to a soup. The stalks are crunchy but not too fibrous tasting like celery. The entire head of baby choy including the stalks and leaves is edible. A serving per person is about two heads of baby bok choy. The vegetable doesn’t lose much volume when cooked and is pretty good about soaking up and holding the flavors you add to it. Tasty pairings include garlic, ginger, chiles, mushrooms, cilantro, soy sauce, sesame sauce, tofu, chicken, noodles. Here is a simple baby bok choy recipe that is quick and easy by sautéing it with olive oil and garlic.
How do you use baby bok choy? Let us know in the comments below.
