pak choi

Pak Choi

Pak choi, also known as bok choy or Chinese cabbage, is a versatile and nutritious leafy green vegetable. It boasts a mild, slightly sweet, and subtly mustard-like flavor, offering a refreshing alternative to stronger greens. Its crisp, juicy stalks are similar to celery, while its dark green leaves are tender and slightly peppery when cooked. Raw pak choi has a slightly more intense flavor, mellowing when cooked. This vibrant vegetable adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal to any dish, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to stir-fries, soups, salads, and more. Looking for healthy green vegetables? Pak choi is an excellent choice.

Common Uses

  • Add pak choi to stir-fries for a healthy crunch: The crisp stalks and tender leaves of pak choi make it an ideal vegetable for stir-frying, adding both flavor and texture. It cooks quickly, retaining its vibrant color and slight bite.
  • Use pak choi in soups and broths for added nutrition: Pak choi can be added to various soups and broths. It wilts down nicely, infusing the broth with its mild flavor and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Grill or roast pak choi for a smoky flavor: Halved or quartered pak choi can be grilled or roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings. This method brings out a smoky sweetness and tenderizes the stalks while retaining some crispness.
  • Incorporate raw pak choi into salads for a fresh and slightly peppery bite: Young, tender pak choi leaves can be added raw to salads for a boost of nutrients and a refreshing, subtly peppery flavor. Chop finely and combine with other salad ingredients and your favorite dressing.
  • Steam pak choi as a simple and healthy side dish: Steaming is a great way to cook pak choi, preserving its nutrients and delicate flavor. Simply steam until tender-crisp and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sesame oil for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
  • Quickly blanch pak choi and add to noodle dishes: A brief blanching of pak choi helps to soften the leaves and stalks, making it perfect for adding to noodle dishes. Toss with noodles, sauce, and other vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

13.0kcal (0.65%)

Protein

1.5g (3%)

Carbs

2.2g (0.8%)

Sugars

1.0g (2%)

Healthy Fat

0.1g

Unhealthy Fat

0.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and vision.
  • Excellent source of vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
  • Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
  • Provides dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and gut health.
  • Low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great addition to a weight-conscious diet.
  • Source of minerals like calcium, potassium, and manganese.

Storage Tips

To store pak choi properly, wrap it loosely in a paper towel and place it in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. This helps to absorb excess moisture and prevents it from wilting. Pak choi is best used within a few days of purchase for optimal flavor and texture. Avoid storing it near fruits that produce ethylene gas, such as apples or bananas, as this can cause it to spoil faster. Freezing is not recommended, as it will alter the texture.

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