How to Microwave Bok Choy
If you're in the hunt for a quick, nutritious side dish, bok choy should be on your list. When cooked in the microwave, bok choy transforms into a tender, vibrant green delight in minutes. Serve it with white rice, add to ramen noodle soups, or toss it into a quick curry!
Bok choy, a staple in Asian cuisine, is known for its crisp texture and flavor profile that's a cross between spinach and mild cabbage. It's loaded with nutrients, keeps well in the fridge, and just needs the help of a few pantry staples to truly shine.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Shallow Dish
_Kale_1024.jpg?v=1727194569625&options=w_1728)
The Small Square Dish
Flash-steam small portions of food in the microwave, evenly reheat leftovers, or store food in the fridge with the lid’s airtight seal.
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 2 bok choy (halved)
Preparation
- Place the bok choy in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
- After straining, cover the dish with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until it turns a vibrant green and the white parts begin to soften.
- Season to taste or use as part of a dish. See our serving suggestions for delicious ideas.
Serving suggestions & tips
- A little spice: Mix with chili crunch and sesame seeds.
- Hummus: Mix with garlic hummus, and top with lime juice and fresh chopped parsley
- Garlic butter: Top with a mixture of room temperature butter, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.
- Sweet umami: Mix with fish sauce, chili flakes, and maple syrup.
Recipe notes
- After rinsing the bok choy, don’t dry it before microwaving! The leftover moisture helps steaming the greens.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Bok Choy
See for yourself— microwaving bok choy is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 1-2 mins |
| Oven* | 7-15 mins |
| Stovetop* | 5-15 mins |
| Grill | 5-15 mins |
All you need to know about microwaving bok choy
How long does it take to cook bok choy in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 2 bok choy (halved) | 1-2 mins |
| 4 bok choy (halved) | 3 mins |
| 6 bok choy (halved) | 5-6 mins |
Usually, it takes approximately 1-2 minutes to microwave 2 heads of bok choy to perfection. To determine if it's done, watch for vibrant green hues and slightly softened, yet crunchy, white portions. You can also check by gently piercing the white stems with a fork; they should be tender without turning mushy.
Can you cook sliced bok choy in the microwave?
Yes, you can. Whether they are sliced or halved, using the same quantity of heads will require approximately the same cooking time. We recommend stirring halfway to ensure even cooking.
How to freeze microwaved bok choy?
To freeze microwaved bok choy, start by microwaving sliced bok choy. Next, transfer them into 1/2 cup Anytime FreezerTrays and freeze for future use.
How to reheat frozen bok choy?
Place the frozen pucks of bok choy in your Anyday cookware and heat for 2-3 minutes per puck or until thoroughly heated.
