5-Minute Spicy Bok Choy

To make this quick, 5-minute spicy bok choy, we prepare it the easy way: we steam it in the microwave. And this quick weeknight side dish packs a TON of flavor since it's topped with a dressing made of soy sauce, sambal, ginger and olive oil. If you haven't had sambal sauce, it's very similar to sriracha (and just as spicy!), but doesn't contain sugar.

At your local store, you'll likely find baby bok choy and the larger bok choy. You can use either one in this dish. We typically use baby bok choy since it isn't quite as large.

It's interesting to note that the leafy greens are slightly lower in carbs than the stems. But, the stems are wonderful to eat along with the leaves since they turn a tasty tender-crisp when steamed in the microwave.

Steaming bok choy in the microwave is simple. Since microwaves heat differently, you will need to monitor the bok choy for doneness after a few minutes. It’s important to stop steaming the bok choy as soon as the stems are just tender. The leaves will be tender and wilted, which is what you want. If you steam the bok choy too long, then the stems will turn mushy (as opposed to being tender-crisp).

Here are basic steps for making this easy, microwave bok choy:

• Cut off root portion, about one inch up from the bottom. Remove each stalk from the core. Wash leaves and stems and dry well.
• In a large microwave-safe plate, lay bok choy next to one another and in a single layer.
• Cover the plate with a few layers of damp paper towels.
• Microwave on high for two and a half minutes. Then, check for doneness. Continue to heat in 30-second increments until done. Remember, stop steaming the bok choy as soon as the stems are just tender (you do not want mushy stems!)
• With a tongs, pick up bok choy from microwave-safe plate and light shake to remove any excess water. Place in a serving bowl and drizzle with the spicy soy dressing. Use tongs to toss the bok choy with dressing. Then, it's ready to serve!

Each serving of bok choy is just 3.6 net carbs. If you like the spicy soy dressing, then you should check out our Keto Spicy Soy Salmon! We hope you enjoy this side dish as much as we do!