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The 13 Best Substitutes For Bok Choy

Do you love the crunchy texture and mild flavor of bok choy?

This vegetable is a staple in many Asian dishes, but it can be hard to find.

If you’re looking for an easy substitute for bok choy, then look no further!

In this article, I will discuss 13 of the best substitutes for bok choy that are available at most grocery stores.

From kale and spinach to broccoli rabe and Chinese cabbage, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Whether you’re making stir-fry or soup, these substitutes will provide the same crunchy texture and mild flavor as bok choy without having to hunt down a specialty store

Read on to learn more about each option so you can make your next dish even better!

What is Bok Choy?

Bok choy

Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a type of vegetable belonging to the Brassica family.

It has thick white stalks with dark green leaves at the top.

The entire plant is edible and can be cooked in a variety of ways such as stir-frying or steaming.

When shopping for bok choy, look out for firm stalks with vibrant leaves that are free from any yellowish patches or wilting.

It should have a crisp texture and mild smell when cut open.

The taste of bok choy is slightly bitter but mellows out when cooked properly, making it an excellent ingredient in soups, salads, and side dishes alike.

You can even use it raw in sandwiches and wraps if you’d like to add another layer of flavor to your meal!

The 13 Best Substitutes For Bok Choy

Bok choy is a crunchy and flavorful vegetable, but it can be tricky to find in some areas.

If you’re looking for an alternative, here are thirteen substitutes that will still offer the same flavor and texture:

1 – Napa Cabbage

Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes.

The leaves are tender and mild with a slightly sweet flavor.

The texture is crunchy and juicy when raw, but softens when cooked.

Napa cabbage is an excellent replacement for bok choy because it has similar nutritional benefits and the same delicate texture.

It can be stir-fried, steamed, or boiled to bring out its natural sweetness.

It’s also great for salads, soups, and slaws.

Plus, napa cabbage is easy to find in most grocery stores year-round!

So if you don’t have access to bok choy, give napa cabbage a try instead!

2 – Spinach

Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that has been enjoyed for centuries.

It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

The leaves are tender yet crunchy with a mild flavor that can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

When substituting spinach for bok choy in recipes, it’s important to remember that the cooking time will be shorter since spinach wilts quickly.

Spinach can also be used in stir-fries, soups, salads, and sandwiches to add texture and flavor.

Though it may not have the same crunchiness as bok choy, its nutritional value makes it an ideal alternative for those looking to incorporate more greens into their diet.

3 – Choy Sum

Choy Sum

Choy sum is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the same family as bok choy.

It has a mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture that makes it perfect for stir-fries, soups, and salads.

The leaves are typically bright green with yellow tips while the stems can range from white to light green.

Choy sum is easy to prepare and cook quickly – just make sure not to overcook it so you don’t lose its signature crunchiness.

When substituting choy sum for bok choy in recipes, keep in mind that it may require less cooking time since it’s more delicate than bok choy.

This versatile vegetable can be used in a variety of dishes, from Asian-inspired noodle bowls to savory omelets.

4 – Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens

These leafy greens have a peppery flavor and crunchy texture that make them a great addition to salads, stir-fries, soups, and more.

Mustard greens can be cooked in the same way as bok choy – simply sauté with garlic or onion for a delicious side dish.

They can also be steamed or boiled until tender before adding to dishes like omelets or quiches.

The leaves of mustard greens are slightly tougher than those of bok choy, so they may require longer cooking times if you’re using them in recipes that call for softer vegetables.

For added flavor, try tossing the cooked mustard greens with sesame oil and soy sauce before serving.

5 – Celery

Celery

Celery has a light, refreshing flavor and crisp texture that makes it an ideal addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries.

It’s also incredibly versatile – you can enjoy it raw or cooked, diced or sliced.

When substituting celery for bok choy in recipes such as stir-fries and soups, make sure to add the celery at the beginning of cooking so that it has time to soften.

For salads and slaws, consider using thinly sliced celery sticks instead of shredding them into thin strips like you would with bok choy.

The subtle flavor of celery pairs well with other vegetables like carrots and peppers as well as herbs like parsley or cilantro.

6 – Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture.

Swiss chard can be used raw or cooked, making it versatile enough to use in salads, stir-fries, soups, and stews.

When cooking Swiss chard, the leaves should be added first as they take longer to cook than the stems.

The stems can then be added later for a delicious mix of textures.

Swiss chard is also incredibly nutritious and packed with vitamins A and C as well as minerals such as iron and calcium.

It’s low in calories but high in fiber which makes it a great addition to any meal.

7 – Cabbage

Cabbage

Cabbage has a mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture that adds depth to dishes.

Cabbage can be used raw or cooked, making it incredibly versatile.

When raw, it can be sliced thin and added to salads or slaws for a refreshing crunch.

When cooked, cabbage can be braised with other vegetables in soups or stir-fries for a hearty meal.

Cabbage also pairs well with bold flavors like bacon, garlic, and ginger so you won’t miss the flavor of bok choy when using this vegetable as a replacement.

It’s also easy to find at most grocery stores and is usually inexpensive compared to other vegetables.

Cabbage is an ideal choice if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to bok choy without sacrificing flavor or texture!

8 – Yu Choy

Yu Choy

Yu Choy is a leafy green vegetable with a mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture.

It’s related to bok choy, but has larger leaves and a more tender stalk.

Yu Choy can be used in place of bok choy in stir-fries, soups, salads, and other dishes.

The leaves are best when cooked quickly over high heat to retain their crispness.

The stalks can also be boiled or steamed for a few minutes before adding them to recipes.

This versatile vegetable pairs well with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil and other Asian flavors.

It is also an excellent addition to noodle dishes as it absorbs the flavors of the broth while still maintaining its unique taste.

9 – Nan Ling

Nan Ling

Nan Ling is a type of Chinese cabbage that has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries.

It has a mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture that makes it an ideal substitute for bok choy.

The leaves are bright green and slightly waxy, while the stems can be white or purple depending on the variety.

Nan Ling is often stir-fried with garlic and ginger, added to soups or stews, or steamed as part of a vegetable side dish.

It’s also great for adding texture and flavor to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and other dishes.

When substituting Nan Ling for bok choy in recipes, you may need to adjust cooking times depending on the size of your cut vegetables.

10 – Gai Lang

Gai Lang

Gai lan, also known as Chinese broccoli, is a leafy vegetable that has been enjoyed in China for centuries.

It has long stalks with dark green leaves and small white flowers that bloom during the winter months.

Gai lan has a mild flavor with hints of bitterness and sweetness, making it an excellent substitute for bok choy in many dishes.

The texture is crunchy yet tender when cooked correctly. It can be stir-fried or steamed to bring out its natural flavors.

Gai lan pairs well with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil – all common ingredients used in Asian cuisine.

It’s often added to soups or served alongside rice or noodles as part of a meal. Gai lan is also great for adding color and texture to salads or wraps.

11 – Leek

Leeks

Leeks are a member of the onion family and have a mild, sweet flavor.

They can be used in many dishes as an alternative to bok choy.

Leeks are very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways such as roasted, sautéed, or boiled.

Their mild flavor makes them ideal for soups and stews, while their crunchy texture works well with stir-fries.

When substituting leeks for bok choy, it is important to remember that leeks require more cooking time than bok choy does.

For best results, add the leeks at the beginning of your dish’s cooking process so they have enough time to soften up before serving.

Leek’s subtle flavor also pairs nicely with other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots and adds depth to any dish without overpowering other ingredients.

12 – Broccoli

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Source: damndelicious.net

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be used as an excellent substitute for bok choy in many dishes.

The flavor of broccoli is mild and slightly sweet, making it the perfect addition to stir-fries, soups, and salads.

It has a crunchy texture that holds up well when cooked and its vibrant green color adds visual appeal to any dish.

Broccoli also cooks quickly compared to bok choy, so it’s great for busy weeknight meals.

When substituting broccoli for bok choy in recipes, you may need to adjust the cooking times since broccoli takes less time to cook than bok choy does.

13 – Kale

Kale

Kale is a leafy green vegetable with a mild, earthy flavor and crisp texture.

It can be used in place of bok choy in many recipes, as it has a similar crunch and subtle sweetness.

Kale can be enjoyed raw or cooked, making it an incredibly versatile ingredient.

When substituting kale for bok choy, the key is to use smaller pieces that will cook quickly and evenly.

It can be sautéed with garlic and oil, added to soups or stews for extra flavor and texture, or roasted until crispy for a delicious snack.

Kale also works well when stir-fried with other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

No matter how you choose to prepare it, kale is sure to add some nutritional value as well as great taste!

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great replacements for bok choy that can help you create delicious recipes without having to buy bok choy.

Some of the top substitutes for bok choy include napa cabbage, spinach, choy sum, mustard greens, celery, Swiss chard, cabbage, yu choy, nan ling, gai lang, leek, broccoli, and kale. All of these vegetables have a similar flavor and texture to bok choy, making them great substitutes.

By using these substitutes, you can create delicious and healthy meals that are sure to please.

Bok choy

The 13 Best Substitutes For Bok Choy

What if you don't have bok choy on hand but still want to make that delicious stir-fry recipe? Don't worry – I've got you covered! In this article, I'm sharing my top 13 substitutes for bok choy, ranging from leafy greens to crunchy vegetables. I'll explain the taste and texture of each ingredient and provide some simple tips to help you make the perfect substitution. So grab your wok and let's get cooking!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Substitutes, Vegetables
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 75 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Napa Cabbage
  • Spinach
  • Choy Sum
  • Mustard Greens
  • Celery
  • Swiss Chard
  • Cabbage
  • Yu Choy
  • Nan Ling
  • Gai Lang
  • Leek
  • Broccoli
  • Kale

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.