Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Bok Choy
A tender Chinese cabbage with crisp white stalks and leafy green tops. Mild, slightly sweet, and super versatile.
Pro Tip: Slice stalks and leaves separately — cook stalks first for perfect texture, then toss in leaves at the end to wilt.
How to Use It:
- Stir-fry with garlic + sesame oil
- Add to noodle soups or hot pot
- Steam or sauté as a simple side
1. Garlic Soy Stir-Fried Bok Choy
Vibe: Clean, crisp, and glossy. A perfect 10-minute side that goes with literally anything—noodles, rice, dumplings, you name it.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 pack baby or chopped bok choy
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp neutral oil for stir-frying
Optional: chili flakes or sesame seeds for topping
👩🍳 Instructions:
Heat oil in a skillet or wok on medium-high.
Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add bok choy and toss for 1–2 minutes until just wilted and vibrant green.
Splash in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to coat.
Serve hot with rice or as a side to your main dish.
🔥 Why it works: The garlic and soy bring the umami, the bok choy keeps things fresh and crunchy—it’s the ultimate balance.
2. Bok Choy & Mushroom Noodle Soup
Vibe: Cozy, slurpy, earthy, and brothy. This is the soup you make when you want something warming but still light.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 pack bok choy (halved if large)
1–2 cups mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster)
1 serving noodles (ramen, udon, rice noodles—your choice)
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Optional: chili oil, scallions, soft-boiled egg
👩🍳 Instructions:
Sauté garlic and mushrooms in a little oil until tender.
Add broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
Add bok choy and simmer for 2–3 minutes until just wilted.
Add cooked noodles, heat through, and serve hot with toppings.
🍜 Why it slaps: Bok choy gives it body and bite, while the broth stays light and clean. Feels nourishing and tastes like a warm hug.