Charred Baby Bok Choy with Sesame Lime Dressing
Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant dish featuring tender grilled baby bok choy drizzled with a zesty sesame lime dressing. Perfectly balanced, this recipe offers a delightful combination of tangy rice wine vinegar and spicy chili paste, enhanced by the nuttiness of sesame seeds and the freshness of scallions. This dish makes a striking addition to any summer barbecue or Asian-inspired meal, providing a unique and tasty vegetable side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or tofu.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Bok Choy
4 heads (halved lengthwise and cleaned)
Rice Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup
Chili Paste
1 tablespoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon
Scallions
2 (chopped)
Sesame Seeds
2 tablespoons
Lime Wedge
for garnish
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar and chili paste until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then slowly whisk in the vegetable oil until emulsified.
2
Fold in the chopped scallions and sesame seeds, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
3
Add the halved baby bok choy to the bowl, gently tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
While the bok choy marinates, prepare your grill for medium-high heat. Once hot, place the bok choy halves cut-side down on the grill.
5
Grill for 2 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the bok choy is crisp-tender and has beautiful char marks.
6
Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in this recipe?
The main vegetable is 4 heads of baby bok choy, halved lengthwise and cleaned.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk rice wine vinegar and chili paste, season with salt and pepper, then slowly whisk in vegetable oil until emulsified.
What are the ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of rice wine vinegar, chili paste, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, chopped scallions, and sesame seeds.
How long should the bok choy marinate?
The bok choy should be covered and refrigerated for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What grill temperature is required?
The grill should be prepared for medium-high heat.
How long does it take to grill the bok choy?
It takes between 2 to 5 minutes to grill the bok choy.
Which side of the bok choy should be placed on the grill first?
Place the bok choy halves cut-side down on the grill.
How do I know when the bok choy is done?
It is done when it is crisp-tender and has visible char marks.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish with additional sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.
How much rice wine vinegar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar.
How much chili paste should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of chili paste to provide a spicy kick.
Can I use regular oil?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 2 chopped scallions for this dish.
How many sesame seeds are included in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds in the marinade.
What type of cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish is inspired by Asian cuisine and is tagged as such.
Is this a good side dish for a barbecue?
Yes, it is an excellent addition to any summer barbecue or grilled meal.
What does the lime wedge add to the dish?
The lime wedge provides an extra burst of zesty freshness to the charred vegetables.
What texture should I expect from the finished dish?
Expect a crisp-tender texture with a smoky, charred flavor.
How should the bok choy be cut?
The bok choy heads should be halved lengthwise before being cleaned and marinated.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is whisking together rice wine vinegar and chili paste in a large mixing bowl.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this specific recipe.
Is this recipe considered fast?
Yes, it is tagged as a fast recipe, requiring minimal preparation and cook time.
What should I do if I don't have a grill?
While the recipe specifies a grill, a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan could achieve similar char marks.
Should the oil be whisked in quickly?
No, it should be whisked in slowly to ensure the dressing emulsifies properly.
Can I use this as a main course?
It is primarily intended as a side dish, pairing well with proteins like grilled meats or tofu.
How do I incorporate the sesame seeds?
Fold the sesame seeds into the dressing along with the chopped scallions before adding the bok choy.
Is the bok choy marinated at room temperature?
The instructions recommend refrigerating the bok choy while it marinates for 15-20 minutes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include grilled vegetables, asian cuisine, summer recipes, healthy sides, and easy grilling.
What is the benefit of charring the bok choy?
Charring adds a smoky depth of flavor that complements the zesty sesame lime dressing.