What does “blanching” mean?

Blanching means briefly boiling a vegetable. For this recipe, that’s under 2 minutes. It cooks the bok choy just enough to be tender while keeping its color and texture.

How long do you blanch Shanghai bok choy?

Blanch it for 1 minute 15 seconds for crisp and al dente, 1 minute 30 seconds for slightly tender, or 2 minutes for soft.

Do I need an ice bath?

No. This recipe goes straight from the pot to the colander to the sauce. It’s served warm, so you skip the ice bath.

Why do you add salt and oil to the water?

Salt seasons the bok choy from the inside out and helps keep the color bright. A little olive oil adds a light sheen and flavor.

Can I use baby bok choy instead of Shanghai bok choy?

Yes. Baby bok choy and Shanghai bok choy are very similar. Cut larger heads into halves or quarters so they cook evenly.

Is vegan oyster sauce gluten-free?

Not always. Many brands contain soy sauce made with wheat. Look for a labeled gluten-free vegan oyster sauce if you need one.

Can I make blanched bok choy ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. Store it undressed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, then toss with sauce when ready to serve.

How do I keep bok choy from getting mushy?

Use a timer, keep the water boiling, and drain right away. Don't cook for more than 2 minutes.

What can I use instead of vegan oyster sauce?

Try hoisin thinned with a splash of water, mushroom soy sauce, or a little soy sauce with a pinch of sugar. Toasted sesame oil is also nice.

How do I clean bok choy properly?

Halve it lengthwise, soak it in cold water, and separate the stalks gently. Rinse and swish in 3 to 4 changes of water until it runs clear.

Blanched Shanghai Bok Choy with Vegan Oyster Sauce

Name: Easy Blanched Shanghai Bok Choy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound Shanghai bok choy; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 to 2 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce

Easy Blanched Shanghai Bok Choy

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The ultimate lazy-but-fancy vegetable side! This Easy Blanched Shanghai Bok Choy is ridiculously quick, requiring just boiling water, a splash of olive oil, and a healthy drizzle of vegan oyster sauce. It’s faster than ordering takeout and way better for you.

Author: Ellen
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Diet: Dairy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound Shanghai bok choy
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 to 2 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce

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Instructions

Shanghai bok choy tends to trap a lot of dirt and soil in the crevices of the stalks. Slice each piece in half lengthwise and submerge/soak in a large bowl of cold water. Gently nudge the individual stalks apart and run under a soft stream of water to wash. Swish the bok choy around, pour out the dirty water and fill the bowl with more fresh clean water. Keep swishing and switching out the water at least 3 or 4 times. You can also soak with a veggie wash for about 1 minute and rinse the bok choy a few times until the water runs clear. Drain the water.
Boil a large pot of water. Add the salt and olive oil. Keep the heat on medium high and leave it here until you are done cooking.
Add the Shanghai boy choy to the salted, boiling water. Make sure all the pieces are submerged. Set the timer immediately. You should NOT wait for the water to start simmering again to start the timer. For a crispy, al dente vegetable, cook for 1 minute and 15 seconds. For a slightly tender vegetable, cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds. For a softer vegetable, cook for 2 minutes.
Prepare a colander in the sink. Immediately after the timer goes off, pour the entire contents of the pot through the colander to drain. Transfer the drained Shanghai bok choy to a large mixing bowl and drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce over the vegetables. Give it a good toss to distribute the sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 52 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 310 mg
Fat: 3.8 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4.2 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 2.1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://moderateposh.com/shanghai-bok-choy/