If you are looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that balances health and heartiness, this Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. It brings together tender ground pork with crisp baby bok choy, all coated in a tangy, mildly spicy sauce that shines with garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili oil. Perfect for weeknights when you want something quick, nutritious, and utterly satisfying, this stir fry is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh greens and protein in one wok-happy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that really let each flavor shine through. Each element plays a key role—whether it’s the juicy savoriness of the pork, the crunch of the bok choy, or the zing from the garlic and ginger, all coming together beautifully in one dish.
- 1 pound ground pork: Provides juicy, lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or safflower): Ideal for high-heat cooking without overpowering the dish’s delicate flavors.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic base that softens during cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers fragrant, pungent notes that awaken your taste buds.
- 1-inch ginger, minced: Brings warmth and a slight peppery bite that complements pork perfectly.
- 3 heads of baby bok choy, roughly chopped: This mild, crunchy green adds freshness and color along with valuable nutrients.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Imparts that essential savory depth and umami boost.
- 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang to balance the richness of pork.
- 2 teaspoons chili oil: Offers a subtle kick of heat and complexity.
- 3 green onions, diced: Adds bright, oniony freshness right at the end.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and beautiful garnish.
How to Make Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, breaking it up as you cook so it browns evenly. This step creates delicious caramelization, adding layers of flavor. Cook until the pork is fully browned and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, add your neutral oil to the pan and let it heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and cook for around 3 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds as those incredible aromas fill your kitchen. This quick sauté releases the essence of these ingredients without letting them burn, which is key for that perfect base flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pork and Bok Choy
Return the cooked ground pork to the skillet and add your chopped baby bok choy. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the bok choy to soften slightly while still maintaining its crisp texture. This is where your stir fry starts coming together as a colorful, tasty harmony of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Components
Now it’s time to pour in the savory soy sauce, the bright rice wine vinegar, and the spicy chili oil. Stir these into the skillet so everything is well coated, cooking for just another minute. This final flavor burst transforms your dish, balancing salty, tangy, and spicy notes that coat every bite.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the diced green onions. Their fresh bite provides a wonderful contrast to the cooked ingredients. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for a subtle crunch and a beautiful finishing touch that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe right away to enjoy it at its freshest. The combination of textures and flavors is best when hot and freshly cooked.
Step 7: Optional Serving Suggestion
If you’d like to add some carbs, a simple half cup of cooked rice on the side pairs perfectly, soaking up any extra sauce and making this meal even more comforting and filling.
How to Serve Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add an effortless boost of flavor and visual appeal. You might also consider a few fresh cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime for a bright finishing twist.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines on its own, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or even quinoa creates a balanced meal. Crunchy side salads or pickled vegetables can add another layer of texture and freshness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve your stir fry in colorful bowls or over a bed of spiralized vegetables. You could even stuff it into lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb wrap experience. Adding a drizzle of extra chili oil on top before serving makes it pop with flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe, cool them quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave to preserve texture as much as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your stir fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Reheating slowly helps keep the bok choy from becoming mushy and maintains the dish’s bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground pork is perfect for this stir fry because it cooks quickly, but you could also use thinly sliced pork tenderloin or shoulder. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked through but still tender.
What if I don’t have baby bok choy? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can substitute with regular bok choy, napa cabbage, or even spinach if needed. Each will change the texture slightly but still provide that lovely leafy green freshness.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The chili oil gives a moderate kick, but if you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or leave it out completely. For more heat, you can add fresh sliced chili or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a plant-based version, swap ground pork for crumbled firm tofu or tempeh, and use tamari or a vegan soy sauce alternative. The ginger, garlic, and bok choy still deliver amazing flavor.
How long does this stir fry take to prepare?
One of the best things about this Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe is its speed—you’re looking at about 5 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook. That means a delicious dinner on the table in under 20 minutes!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe enough for anyone who loves quick, tasty, and wholesome meals. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends with a simple Asian-inspired dish, this stir fry will become one of your go-to favorites. So grab your wok, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy something truly delicious and nourishing!
Print
Healthy Pork & Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and healthy pork and bok choy stir fry that’s perfect for an easy dinner. This flavorful dish combines ground pork with fresh bok choy and aromatic spices, all cooked in a simple stir-fry method for a nutritious meal ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or safflower)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 3 heads of baby bok choy, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili oil
- 3 green onions, diced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the pork: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and break it up using a spoon or spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the pork is browned. Remove the cooked pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the neutral oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously to sauté for 30 seconds, releasing their fragrant flavors.
- Combine pork and bok choy: Return the cooked ground pork to the skillet along with the chopped baby bok choy. Stir well and cook together for about 3 minutes until the bok choy begins to soften.
- Add sauces: Pour in the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili oil. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Finish the dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the diced green onions, then sprinkle the top with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry immediately while hot.
- Optional: For a complete meal, serve with 1/2 cup of cooked rice per serving, if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made spicier by adding more chili oil or fresh chili flakes.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Baby bok choy can be substituted with regular bok choy or other leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Adding a splash of water or broth can help if the stir fry seems dry while cooking.
