Bok choy, a versatile and nutritious vegetable, is a staple in many dishes. Whether stir-fried, in soup, or hot pot, it is always a welcome addition. However, it’s essential to note that some foods don’t pair well with bok choy to preserve its nutritional value. Let’s explore this further!
1 What is Bok Choy?
Bok choy, also known as spoon cabbage or Chinese chard
Bok choy, often called spoon cabbage or Chinese chard, has curved leaves that resemble spoons. It has beautiful green leaves, a stout stem, and large white ribs at the base.
Bok choy is mild in flavor and widely popular as it is not only affordable but also highly nutritious.
2 Benefits of Bok Choy
Numerous health benefits of bok choy
Bok choy boasts an impressive range of health benefits. Including it in your diet can help prevent cancer, aid digestion, improve eye health, lower high blood pressure, and support weight loss. It’s truly a superfood that is not only “delicious” but also “nutritious” and “inexpensive.”
3 Foods to Pair with Bok Choy
While bok choy is already nutritious on its own, pairing it with certain foods can create a powerhouse duo for your body! Take note of these ideal combinations:
Bok choy and tofu make a great pair
Tofu is bok choy’s best friend. For those watching their weight, a bok choy and tofu soup is an excellent choice as it’s light yet packed with nutrients. It helps lower cholesterol and boost overall health. This combination is especially beneficial for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Bok choy and shiitake mushrooms
Bok choy and shiitake mushrooms is a classic combination in both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. Like bok choy, shiitake mushrooms are rich in nutrients, boost immunity, and are a good source of fiber. Stir-frying bok choy with shiitake mushrooms creates a delicious and nutritious dish.
Bok choy and dried shrimp
Dried shrimp (shells removed) and bok choy make another fantastic pair. Whether cooked in soup or stir-fried, this combination is simple yet highly nutritious, as dried shrimp are rich in calcium, making them a small but mighty duo. They are also good for the heart, skin, and detoxification.
Bok choy and pork liver
Finally, bok choy and pork liver make an excellent pair. This combination is great for eye health, boosts immunity, and improves blood circulation due to its high iron content.
4 Foods to Avoid Pairing with Bok Choy
Some foods should be avoided when cooking with bok choy as their components can counteract each other, reducing the nutritional value.
Bok choy and yam hinder nutrient absorption
A notable example is yam, which mainly consists of starch (second only to rice and corn). However, when paired with bok choy, this duo hinders the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Avoid pairing bok choy with cucumber or pumpkin
Cucumber or pumpkin are other vegetables that should not be paired with bok choy. These vegetables contain an enzyme that breaks down vitamin C, while bok choy is rich in this vitamin. As a result, combining them cancels out their nutritional benefits.
This article has provided an overview of some ideal and not-so-ideal food pairings with bok choy. Hopefully, it has given you valuable insights!