Stir-fried Bok Choy (清炒小白菜)

Instructions

1. 1Cut each bok choy lengthwise in half (or quarters if large). Separate the white stems from the green leaves if possible — they cook at different rates. Soak in cold water for 2 minutes to remove any sand, then drain well.

   处理小白菜

   🔍 Look for

   Visual: 切面洁白（菜帮）和深绿（叶片），无褐变或黏滑处Cut surfaces are clean white (stems) and deep green (leaves), no brown or slimy spots

   You know it's right when: 浸泡后水要清澈——杯底无沙Water should run clear after soaking — no grit at the bottom

   If you're in a rush, skip the soak and just rinse thoroughly under running water while separating the halves.

2. 2Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and stir for 5 seconds until fragrant.

   爆香蒜末

   🔍 Look for High heat 5 秒 · 5 seconds

   Visual: 蒜末滋滋作响，几秒内厨房充满蒜香Garlic sizzles and aroma fills the kitchen in seconds

   You know it's right when: 边缘微金但**绝不发黑**——焦蒜是苦的Golden around the edges but NOT brown — burned garlic is bitter

3. 3Add the bok choy stems first (they take longer). Stir-fry for 1 minute, then add the leaves. Toss constantly for another 60-90 seconds.

   先茎后叶

   🔍 Look for High heat 共 1-1.5 分钟 · 1-1.5 minutes total

   Visual: 菜帮边缘变半透明，叶片开始塌软、颜色变深Stems turn translucent at the edges, leaves begin to wilt and darken

   You know it's right when: 菜帮断生但有脆感——咬下去不费力但仍有断裂声——这就是目标口感Stems are tender-crisp (bite through with no resistance but still snap) — this is the target texture

4. 4Sprinkle salt evenly over the greens. Toss for 20 seconds to distribute. If using white pepper, add it now.

   加盐调味

5. 5If using sesame oil, drizzle it around the edge of the wok (not directly on the vegetables) and toss once more for 10 seconds.

   淋香油出锅

   🔍 Look for

   Visual: 叶片油亮翠绿，菜帮仍保持形状Leaves are glossy and vibrant green, stems still hold their shape

   You know it's right when: 青菜看着有生命力——如果发暗发黏就是炒过头了Vegetables look alive — if they're dark and slimy, you've过火了

6. 6Serve immediately. The residual heat in the wok will continue cooking, so don't let it sit.

   立即上桌