Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef

Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is a quick and healthy dish that brings together tender beef, crisp bok choy, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The stir-fry is nutrient-packed, with bok choy offering essential vitamins and the lean beef providing high protein. This dish is easily customizable with chicken, tofu, or shrimp, and can be paired with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal or brown rice for a complete dinner. It’s both delicious and WW-friendly, keeping SmartPoints low.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean flank steak (trimmed of fat, thinly sliced)

  • 4 cups baby bok choy (chopped, stems and leaves separated)

  • 1 medium red bell pepper (sliced)

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, +1 point)

  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)

  • Cooking spray

  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

  1. Prep the Beef & Sauce:
    In a bowl, toss sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, hoisin sauce (if using), and sriracha. Set aside.

  2. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
    Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Add beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

  3. Cook the Bok Choy & Bell Pepper:
    Re-spray the skillet and add bok choy stems and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add bok choy leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

  4. Combine & Sauce It Up:
    Return beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly.
    Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  5. Serve:
    Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cauliflower rice (0 points) or brown rice (track points).

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~220 kcal

  • Protein: 25g

  • Carbohydrates: 8g

  • Fat: 8g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • WW SmartPoints: 6 (with lean beef) or 7 (with hoisin sauce)

A Nutritious, Protein-Packed Meal

One of the standout features of Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is its impressive nutritional profile. The lean beef provides a high source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle, while also being low in fat. The bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals such as calcium and iron. These nutrients are vital for immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.

In addition to the beef and bok choy, the dish incorporates red bell peppers, which add a touch of sweetness and are a great source of vitamin C. The combination of these ingredients makes for a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that is both filling and healthy. Whether you are looking to increase your protein intake or add more vegetables to your diet, this dish offers a balanced approach to healthy eating.

The Flavor Profile: Savory, Sweet, and Slightly Spicy

The key to the flavor of Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef lies in the savory garlic-ginger sauce that coats the ingredients. The garlic and ginger are stir-fried together at the beginning, infusing the oil with aromatic flavors that permeate the beef and vegetables. The sauce itself combines soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of hoisin sauce for sweetness, creating a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet notes.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the optional addition of sriracha sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The sesame oil contributes a subtle nuttiness, making the dish feel richer, while the cornstarch thickens the sauce, ensuring it coats every piece of beef and vegetable with a velvety finish.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is a great example of how simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking technique can yield an incredibly delicious meal. The dish requires minimal preparation—just slicing the beef, chopping the vegetables, and whisking together the sauce—and cooks up in a matter of minutes. Stir-frying is a fast method that helps retain the texture and nutrients of the vegetables while allowing the beef to cook quickly without becoming tough.

This quick cooking method also helps to preserve the vibrant color and crunch of the bok choy, ensuring that it doesn’t become overcooked or soggy. The result is a meal that has a pleasing contrast of textures, from the tender beef to the crisp bok choy and bell pepper.

Customizing Your Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef

One of the most appealing aspects of Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is its versatility. While the recipe calls for lean flank steak, you can easily swap it out for other proteins depending on your preference or dietary restrictions. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all excellent substitutes and can be prepared using the same method. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan version, tofu or tempeh would be great options, providing protein while maintaining the dish’s savory flavor.

For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, you can adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha for heat or playing with the amount of hoisin sauce for sweetness. You can also swap in different vegetables, such as mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli, to add variety to the dish. The recipe is highly adaptable to different tastes, making it a great base for experimenting with new ingredients.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is typically served over rice, and there are many options depending on your dietary preferences. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice, as it soaks up the savory sauce without adding extra carbohydrates. Brown rice is another great option, providing a whole-grain base that adds fiber and enhances the dish’s heartiness.

To complete the meal, you could serve a side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad with a light dressing. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the stir-fry, while the tangy pickles offer a contrasting flavor that pairs well with the savory notes of the dish.

A Healthy, WW-Friendly Meal

For those following the Weight Watchers program, Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is a fantastic meal option, especially when made with lean beef and served over cauliflower rice. The dish is low in SmartPoints, making it an excellent choice for a filling, satisfying dinner that doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals. The combination of lean protein, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce ensures that you’re getting a balanced meal that will leave you feeling full without the guilt.

You can also adjust the ingredients to suit your personal SmartPoints plan, such as using a smaller amount of oil for cooking or omitting the hoisin sauce to keep the dish even lower in points. With its quick preparation time and versatility, this dish is perfect for meal planning or preparing ahead of time for busy days.

Conclusion: A Simple and Flavorful Meal

In conclusion, Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is a perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and incredibly versatile. The tender beef and crisp vegetables, combined with the savory garlic-ginger sauce, create a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish offers a great way to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal in no time at all. With endless customization options and the ability to pair it with a variety of side dishes, Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.

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