How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Mushroom and Bok Choy Stir Fry
Asian Fusion · Easy · 18 min · 3 servings
This simple vegetarian stir fry brings together earthy shiitake and cremini mushrooms with tender bok choy in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that bridges Asian and Western flavors. It is a side dish that effortlessly steals the spotlight from whatever it accompanies.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Butter Mushroom and Bok Choy Stir Fry recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 18 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 185 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms halved
- 4 heads baby bok choy halved lengthwise
- 5 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Sear the Mushrooms
Heat the wok over very high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add all the mushrooms in as close to a single layer as possible and do not stir them for 2 full minutes so they develop a deep golden brown sear rather than steaming.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Toss the mushrooms and push them to the side of the wok. Add the sliced garlic to the cleared center and stir for about 45 seconds until fragrant and starting to turn light golden, being careful as garlic burns very quickly in a hot wok.
Step 3: Cook the Bok Choy
Add the halved bok choy to the wok cut side down and press them against the hot surface. Let them sear undisturbed for 90 seconds until the cut faces are nicely caramelized, then toss everything together in the wok.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Sauce
Add the butter to the wok and let it melt and foam as it coats all the vegetables. Drizzle in the soy sauce and toss vigorously for about 1 minute until the sauce reduces slightly and clings to every piece.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- shiitake mushrooms → oyster mushrooms or king trumpet mushrooms are excellent alternatives with great texture
- butter → vegan butter or an extra tablespoon of sesame oil keeps this dish completely plant-based
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Stirring the mushrooms too soon after adding them to the wok prevents the browning reaction and results in pale soggy mushrooms
- Adding too many bok choy heads at once drops the wok temperature and they will become limp rather than caramelized
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 185 calories, 6g protein, 13g carbs, 13g fat, 4g fiber.
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