If you love cabbages, then we have a leafy green family member to excite you.
Bok choy, a native Chinese cabbage that has enticed the Chinese for centuries, has everything and is a complete package.
The plant looks like a hybrid resembling lettuce and celery, but the stalks are thick and long, just like a cabbage.
They are available throughout the year and can be eaten raw. Bok choy combines well with salads, and you can eat their flowers as well.
You can pair them with anything, and won’t mind experimenting either. So what does Bok choy taste like?
What is Bok Choy?
Also known as the Chinese chard, Bok choy has been delighting food lovers with its textures.
The tender and thin greens wilt quickly with medium heat, and most steel wok will do the job. The crispy lower white part contains lots of moisture and gets soft when cooked.
Due to their immense popularity in China, many European countries have increased their Bok choy cultivation.
The favored season for Bok choy is winter, and hence the European weather is ideal for it. If you want to know more about the cultivation process, you can refer to this TheSpruce post for more information.
What Does Bok Choy Taste Like? Does Bok Choy Taste Good?
Bok choy is also referred to as white cabbage and tastes similar to typical green cabbage. You can consider it as a mild veggie with a more robust taste in the upper green parts.
And the best part is that the whole vegetable is edible, while some prefer to cut the base off.
Many compare Bok choy with Swiss chards, but the latter tastes stronger and has a bitter flavor.
You may assume that Bok choy is a perfect ingredient if you are a salad lover. With a moist body and crispy texture, Bok choy combines well with arugulas and radicchios.
According to Medical News Today, eating Bok choy is a healthy habit and perhaps a tasty one. The health benefits include:
- Protection from cancer
- Enhances bone health
- Controls blood pressure
- Good for heart health
- Boosts immunity
- Promotes skin health
- Reduces inflammation
How to Cook Bok Choy?
Apart from making a delicious salad, Bok choy can enhance any cooked food. One of the most popular combinations is brussels sprouts and Bok choy.
You can have a variety of recipes using these two and can get a start by having a look at this recipe by The Healthful Ideas.
This spicy cauliflower and Bok choy stir-fry with coconut recipe by Martha Stewart is our personal favorite and one you should definitely try.
Cooking Bok choy is quick and effortless, and among the common choices is to stir-fry them.
It would be best if you start with the stems and add the leaves after some time as the leafy part cooks earlier. You also may want to cut the stalks into small bits to maintain flavor and crispiness.
Please note: To get the best flavors, Bok choy with vibrant colors are the ones you should probably consider.
Wilted leaves are another sign that your Bok choy is differing in taste. You may also want to rinse it with cold water to wash out any dirt before cooking.
This Diversivore post will guide you through countless recipes that you can try at home.
Conclusion
Bok choy is an excellent addition to salads, and while cooking it with different ingredients makes it even better.
No wonder why it is so popular among veggies, but having such a variety of nutritional benefits like Bok choy has, you can’t ask for more.
We’ll leave that for you to decide, but the bottom line is, Bok choy is one vegetable that you can’t ignore.
What Does Bok Choy Taste Like? Does Bok Choy Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Bok choy
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!