Grilled Baby Bok Choy with Asian Sesame Vinaigrette: A Flavorful & Healthy Side Dish
Discovering baby bok choy at my local produce market was a delightful revelation. These miniature versions of the classic Chinese cabbage are not just incredibly cute; they’re also wonderfully versatile and packed with nutrients. While I’ve often incorporated regular bok choy into vibrant stir-fries and savory noodle bowls, I was inspired to try a different approach with these tender little greens. My culinary adventure led me to the grill, a method that promised to unlock a unique depth of flavor and texture.
Grilling transforms vegetables in a way that no other cooking method can quite achieve. For a leafy green like bok choy, the intense heat of the grill not only softens its crisp stalks and delicate leaves but also imparts a subtle, smoky char that is simply irresistible. This char adds a complex layer of flavor that complements the inherent mild sweetness of the bok choy beautifully. Paired with a quick, homemade Asian sesame vinaigrette, this dish transcends the ordinary, becoming an unforgettable side that’s both elegant and effortlessly prepared.
The Art of Grilling Baby Bok Choy: Simplicity Meets Flavor
Grilling baby bok choy is surprisingly simple and yields impressive results. Unlike its larger counterpart, baby bok choy cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a fast yet sophisticated side dish. The high heat of the grill ensures a perfect balance: the outer leaves become slightly crisp and smoky, while the inner parts remain tender and juicy.
Choosing and Preparing Your Bok Choy
- Selection: Look for baby bok choy with vibrant green leaves and firm, white stalks. Avoid any that show signs of wilting or browning.
- Cleaning: Rinse each bok choy thoroughly under cold running water, paying attention to the base where dirt can accumulate between the stalks. If the bok choy is larger, you might want to halve them lengthwise. For smaller baby bok choy, leaving them whole is perfectly fine and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Drying: Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture will prevent them from achieving that desirable char.
The Grilling Process for Perfect Tender-Crispness
To prepare your bok choy for the grill, simply toss them with a light coating of vegetable oil – just a couple of teaspoons are enough to help them char without becoming greasy. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the vegetable without overpowering them.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the bok choy directly on the grates. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until you notice the leaves begin to soften and develop a beautiful char. The stalks should be tender-crisp. You’ll know they’re ready when they look slightly wilted but still retain some structure.
Immediately after removing them from the grill, arrange the warm bok choy on a serving plate. The key to maximizing flavor is to spoon the Asian sesame vinaigrette over them while they are still warm. This allows the heat of the bok choy to slightly warm the dressing, infusing every crevice with its aromatic goodness. While delicious warm, grilled bok choy with this vinaigrette is also excellent served at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
The Versatile Asian Sesame Vinaigrette
This Asian sesame vinaigrette is a true culinary multitasker. Its balanced flavors of tangy rice vinegar, rich sesame oil, and a hint of ginger create a dressing that is both vibrant and comforting. It’s not just for bok choy! Imagine it drizzled over a vibrant salad of mixed greens, shredded carrots, crisp red bell peppers, edamame, and crunchy peanuts – truly a feast for the senses.
Beyond Bok Choy: Exploring Other Uses
- Other Grilled Vegetables: This dressing would be sensational over other grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or even grilled corn on the cob. I’m already planning to try grilling some carrots in my grill basket and tossing them with this very vinaigrette. Stay tuned for that!
- Marinade: Use it as a quick marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu before grilling or baking to infuse them with irresistible Asian flavors.
- Noodle Salads: It’s the perfect complement to cold noodle salads, adding a refreshing and aromatic touch.
- Stir-fries: A spoonful or two can elevate a simple stir-fry, providing a glossy finish and a burst of flavor.
- Grain Bowls: Drizzle over quinoa, brown rice, or farro bowls packed with your favorite protein and vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
The beauty of this vinaigrette lies in its simplicity. All ingredients are combined in a jar and vigorously shaken, making it incredibly easy to prepare in minutes. The toasted sesame seeds add a delightful texture and nutty aroma that ties all the flavors together.
Print Recipe
Grilled Baby Bok Choy with Asian Sesame Vinaigrette
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Category: Side Dish, Salad Dressing
Cuisine: Asian- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yields: 4 servings (for bok choy) / 1 cup (for vinaigrette)
This recipe features tender, smoky grilled baby bok choy drizzled with a homemade, vibrant Asian sesame vinaigrette. It’s a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal, especially alongside grilled meats or as part of an Asian-inspired spread. The vinaigrette is versatile and can be used on a variety of salads and other vegetables.
Ingredients for Asian Sesame Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup Nakano rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
Ingredients for Grilled Baby Bok Choy
- 8-10 heads baby bok choy, rinsed and patted dry
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Asian Sesame Vinaigrette: In a jar or an airtight container, combine all vinaigrette ingredients: rice vinegar, vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced ginger, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt and pepper, and toasted sesame seeds. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
- Prepare the Baby Bok Choy: Ensure your baby bok choy heads are thoroughly rinsed and completely patted dry. This step is crucial for achieving good char. Toss the dry bok choy with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Bok Choy: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the oiled and seasoned baby bok choy directly onto the grill grates. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the leaves soften and you see appealing charred marks on the stalks and edges of the leaves. The bok choy should be tender-crisp.
- Serve: Remove the grilled bok choy from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Immediately spoon the prepared Asian sesame vinaigrette generously over the warm grilled vegetables. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. This dish makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or as a light, flavorful side for any Asian-inspired meal.
******************************************************************************************************************
More Culinary Inspiration with Nakano Rice Vinegars
Nakano rice vinegars are fantastic for adding a splash of flavor without extra calories to your vegetables and salads. For even more creative ideas and recipes, be sure to visit Nakano on Facebook. Their products are a staple in my kitchen for a reason!
Other Aggie’s Kitchen Recipes Using Rice Vinegar:
- Asian Couscous Salad
- Shrimp, Broccoli and Edamame Stir Fry
- Firecracker Shrimp Stir Fry
- Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce
(Disclosure: I received products and compensation from Nakano for this post, but my opinions are always my own. I developed this recipe using their product, but Nakano is a product you would already find in my home and genuinely love using.)
For more delicious dressing ideas and culinary inspiration, follow my board on Pinterest:
Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Homemade Salad Dressings on Pinterest.