Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, healthy, and full of fresh, vibrant vegetables. The sauce brings together umami from tamari, brightness from lime, and warmth from ginger and garlic, making every bite flavorful. It’s versatile, customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins, and can easily be made gluten-free or vegan. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Tamari
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Rice vinegar
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Fresh lime juice
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Honey or maple syrup
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Fresh ginger, minced
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Garlic, minced
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Toasted sesame oil
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Soba noodles or brown rice pasta
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Sunflower oil (or other high-heat oil)
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Shiitake mushrooms
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Broccoli
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Scallions
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Baby bok choy
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Edamame
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Carrot
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Sesame seeds
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Sriracha or sambal (for serving)
Directions
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In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to make the sauce. Set aside.
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Cook soba noodles or pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
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Heat sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shiitake mushrooms and broccoli. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until mushrooms soften and broccoli begins to brown.
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Add scallions, bok choy, and edamame. Stir occasionally and cook for another 2 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
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Stir in carrots and noodles. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until evenly coated.
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Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime, adjust seasonings as needed, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot with sriracha or sambal on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.
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Swap soba noodles for rice noodles, udon, or even quinoa.
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Use different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini.
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Replace honey with maple syrup to keep it vegan.
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Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and keep them from drying out. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the delicate texture of the noodles and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soba noodles or brown rice pasta and ensure your tamari is certified gluten-free.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, soy sauce works as a substitute, but tamari provides a slightly smoother, less salty flavor.
Do I have to use soba noodles?
No, you can substitute with rice noodles, spaghetti, or even serve it over rice.
Can I add more protein to this stir fry?
Yes, tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or chicken are all excellent protein options.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
Rinse them under cold water after cooking and toss with a small drizzle of oil until ready to use.
What’s the best way to cut baby bok choy?
Quarter it vertically so the leaves stay attached at the base for easier cooking.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen edamame works well, and other frozen veggies like broccoli can be used too—just cook them a little longer.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add extra sriracha, sambal, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Can I meal-prep this stir fry?
Yes, you can cook everything ahead, but for best texture, store noodles and vegetables separately and combine just before serving.
What can I serve with this stir fry?
It can be a stand-alone meal, but pairs well with spring rolls, miso soup, or a light cucumber salad.
Conclusion
Bok choy stir fry is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that brings together fresh vegetables, tender noodles, and a tangy ginger-garlic sauce. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s perfect for weeknights and can be customized to suit your tastes. Light yet satisfying, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.