I’m super excited about today’s ingredient because it looks intimidating, but it could actually be one of the easiest vegetables to make. And on top of that, it’s health benefits are through the roof! For this recipe I went traditional with an Asian sauce, but I’ve also had them steamed with just your typical vinaigrette on top and it’s just as good.

So what are these things anyway? Well bok choy is a cabbage in the cruciferous family, as are broccoli and brussel sprouts. Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which are converted to isothiocyanates in the body. These are shown to be cancer-fighting elements. They also contain beta-carotene, which is something we have talked about a lot here. This help the skin and nails!

These little Chinese cabbages are also high in essential vitamins like A, K and C, as well as lowering blood pressure. So yes, you need to go buy some right now.

To get the maximum health benefits, it’s best to steam this veggie. As you can see I did this by cutting in half length-wise and placing in a pan with a steaming basket. You only need to steam them about 2-3 minutes, and voilà you are done!

Bok choy is always a great choice for a quick weekday meal paired with a fresh cut of salmon or even chicken would be nice. Give them a try and I promise you will not be disappointed!

Steamed Sesame Bok Choy

2 baby bok choy, cut in half length-wise

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon lime juice

2 garlic cloves, crushed

salt and pepper

Place steaming basket in large pot and fill with water until it barley touches the bottom of the basket. Bring to a boil and place bok choy in basket; cover and steam until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes (if you feel the pot is too crammed, do two at a time). Combine all remaining ingredients, minus salt and pepper, in a small dish and whisk until incorporated. Place bok choy on a serving platter and spoon on sauce. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.