Steamed Baby Bok Choy with Glass Noodles

Steamed Baby Bok Choy with Glass Noodles is a classic Chinese home-cooked dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. The aromatic garlic pairs perfectly with the tender glass noodles, while the crisp baby bok choy adds a refreshing crunch. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this dish is sure to bring a unique and delicious taste to your table.

When preparing this dish, there are a few key details to keep in mind to ensure the best flavor and texture. In the following sections, I will walk you through these important tips, making it easy for even beginners to successfully create this flavorful dish.

1.Choosing and Substituting Ingredients:

Baby Bok Choy: This is the main vegetable in the dish, and selecting fresh, bright green baby bok choy is crucial. You can usually find it in Asian grocery stores or farmers’ markets. If it’s not available, you can substitute with the inner leaves of Napa cabbage, though the texture will differ slightly.

Glass Noodles: Look for “Glass Noodles” or “Bean Thread Noodles,” which turn translucent and have a springy texture when cooked. These are commonly found in the Asian section of grocery stores or in Asian markets. If you can’t find glass noodles, you can use rice vermicelli, but the texture will be slightly different.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves offer the best flavor. If fresh garlic is not available, jarred minced garlic can be used, though it won’t be as aromatic. It’s best to use fresh garlic to maximize the dish’s aroma.

2.Choosing and Substituting Cooking Tools:

Steamer: If you don't have a traditional steamer, don't worry. You can use a large, deep pot with a steamer rack or make a temporary setup. Place an inverted small plate at the bottom of the pot and set your dish on top as a makeshift steamer. Before steaming, ensure that all the equipment is stable and secure. During the process, periodically check the water level to prevent the pot from drying out. Make sure the lid fits tightly to keep the steam in and cook the dish evenly.

Wok or Pan: A non-stick or cast iron pan is recommended for sautéing the garlic, as it helps prevent sticking and burning. If you don’t have a suitable wok, a regular skillet can be used, but be sure to carefully control the heat.

3.Cooking Techniques and Tips:

Sautéing Garlic: It’s important to sauté the garlic until it’s golden but not burnt, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the dish. Stir continuously to ensure even cooking. If your stove has weaker heat, you might need to cook the garlic for a bit longer or at a higher temperature, but be cautious to avoid burning.

Preparing Glass Noodles: When soaking the glass noodles, use warm water and soak for about 10 minutes. Be sure to drain them thoroughly and cut them into shorter lengths to make layering over the vegetables easier.

Steaming Time: The steaming time is typically around 10 minutes. Over-steaming can affect the texture of the dish. If you’re using Napa cabbage instead of baby bok choy, you may need to slightly reduce the steaming time.

4.Seasoning and Pairing:

Finishing Oil: The final drizzle of hot oil can be done with peanut oil or olive oil, but peanut oil enhances the garlic flavor better. If you want to reduce oil intake, you can skip this step, though it will slightly impact the dish’s aroma.

Seasonings: Soy sauce and steamed fish sauce are recommended, and you can find these in Asian grocery stores or online. If steamed fish sauce is unavailable, regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Chili Paste: If you can’t find Chinese-style chopped chili, you can substitute with a common American chili sauce like Sriracha or use red pepper flakes, though the flavor will vary.

By following these tips and paying attention to the details, even beginners in the kitchen can easily create a delicious and aromatic Steamed Baby Bok Choy with Glass Noodles.

5.More Delicious Steamed Recipes

If you loved this delicious Steamed Baby Bok Choy with Glass Noodles recipe, you'll definitely want to try these other popular steamed dishes. They're easy to make, crowd-pleasers, and perfect for your next gathering!

Steamed egg

Steamed Sea Bass（清蒸鲈鱼）

Steamed Tofu With Shrimp Paste

These recipes are sure to add more flavor and variety to your menu!