🥬 Grilled Baby Bok Choy with Sesame-Chili Sauce (Mediterranean-Inspired)
Smoky, lightly charred baby bok choy brushed with olive oil and finished with a bold sesame-chili drizzle—this dish is simple, vibrant, and packed with flavor. While bok choy is traditionally used in Asian cuisine, this version blends it with Mediterranean principles: olive oil, fresh herbs, citrus, and balanced seasoning.
Inspired by the fresh, plant-forward approach of the Mediterranean diet, this recipe makes vegetables the star of the plate.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in under 20 minutes
✔ Smoky, sweet & spicy balance
✔ Naturally vegan
✔ Perfect side for grilled meals
✔ Light but flavorful
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Bok Choy:
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6–8 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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Salt & black pepper
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1 tsp lemon zest
For the Sesame-Chili Sauce:
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1 tbsp tahini
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1 tsp toasted sesame oil
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice (or rice vinegar)
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1 tsp honey (optional)
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½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 small garlic clove, grated
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1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin)
Optional garnish:
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Toasted sesame seeds
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Fresh cilantro or parsley
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Thinly sliced green onions
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Bok Choy
Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt between leaves.
Pat dry.
Brush cut sides with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Grill
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Place bok choy cut-side down.
Grill 3–4 minutes until char marks form.
Flip and grill another 2–3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
Whisk together:
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Tahini
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Sesame oil
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Honey
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Chili flakes
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Garlic
Add warm water gradually until smooth and drizzle-friendly.
4️⃣ Assemble
Arrange grilled bok choy on a platter.
Drizzle with sesame-chili sauce.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and herbs on top.
Serve warm.
🥗 Mediterranean Serving Ideas
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Serve alongside grilled salmon or chicken
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Add to a grain bowl with quinoa
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Pair with hummus and flatbread
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Serve as part of a mezze platter
🥬 Nutritional Benefits
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Bok choy is rich in vitamin C & K
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Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats
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Tahini adds calcium and healthy fats
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Naturally low-calorie and fiber-rich
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I roast instead of grill?
Yes! Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Q2: Is sesame oil Mediterranean?
Not traditional, but used sparingly here for flavor fusion. You can omit it and increase olive oil.
Q3: Can I make it spicy?
Add extra chili flakes or a small spoon of chili paste.
Q4: How do I prevent soggy bok choy?
Pat dry before grilling and avoid overcrowding.
Q5: Can I meal prep this?
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated.
Q6: Can I make it nut-free?
Yes! Skip tahini and use olive oil + lemon + chili only.
🌞 Final Thoughts
Grilled Baby Bok Choy with Sesame-Chili Sauce is smoky, fresh, and packed with bold flavor. It’s a simple vegetable dish elevated with Mediterranean-style balance—bright, healthy, and satisfying.
