Bok choy is a versatile vegetable that adds a vibrant touch and a nutritious boost to a bowl of ramen. With its tender leaves and crisp stalks, bok choy complements the rich flavors of the broth and noodles.
In this recipe, I will guide you through the process of cooking bok choy for ramen, ensuring that it is perfectly cooked while retaining its texture and flavor.
1. How To Cook Bok Choy For Ramen
Ingredients
- 2 heads of bok choy
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, soft-boiled eggs, nori seaweed
Instructions
Prepare the Bok Choy
- Rinse the bok choy thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Trim off the tough ends of the stalks, leaving about an inch of the white base intact.
- Separate the leaves from the stalks.
Blanch the Bok Choy Stalks
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the bok choy stalks to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the blanched bok choy stalks to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, drain the bok choy stalks and set them aside.
Blanch the Bok Choy Leaves
- In the same pot of boiling water, add the bok choy leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until they wilt.
- Transfer the blanched bok choy leaves to the bowl of ice water. Drain and set them aside.
Cook the Ramen Noodles
Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
Prepare the Flavorful Broth
In a separate pot, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté the Bok Choy
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the blanched bok choy stalks and leaves to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are coated in the garlic and ginger mixture.
Assemble the Ramen Bowls
- Divide the cooked ramen noodles among serving bowls.
- Arrange the sautéed bok choy on top of the noodles.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and bok choy, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Add Optional Toppings
- Garnish the ramen bowls with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, soft-boiled eggs, or nori seaweed, as desired.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to your ramen, such as mushrooms, tofu, or sliced meats, to make it more substantial.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the bok choy ramen immediately while it is hot. Stir the ingredients gently to combine the flavors.
- Enjoy the delicious combination of tender bok choy, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles.
Cooking bok choy for ramen is a simple and rewarding process that elevates the flavors and nutritional value of your noodle bowl. By following this recipe, you’ll learn how to achieve perfectly cooked bok choy with tender leaves and crisp stalks for your bowl of ramen noodles