Grilled Pak Choi with Peanut Drizzle
This recipe features tender, smoky grilled baby pak choi drizzled with a rich, savory peanut sauce, offering a delightful blend of textures and Asian-inspired flavors.
For 2 servings
Prepare Pak Choi: Wash baby pak choi thoroughly, trim off the very end of the root, and halve each head lengthwise. Pat dry completely with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure good charring.
Season Pak Choi: In a medium bowl, toss the halved pak choi with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all surfaces are lightly coated.
Prepare Peanut Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), fresh lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of warm water to the peanut sauce, whisking continuously, until it reaches a smooth, drizzling consistency. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to pour easily.
Preheat Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill Pak Choi: Place the seasoned pak choi cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until distinct char marks appear and the leaves begin to soften.
Finish Grilling: Flip the pak choi and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the stems are tender-crisp and the leaves are slightly wilted and charred.
Serve: Arrange the grilled pak choi on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared peanut sauce.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired, before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Grill the pak choi in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and good charring. Overcrowding lowers the grill temperature.
- 2Pat Dry Thoroughly: Excess moisture on the pak choi will steam instead of char, preventing the desirable smoky flavor and texture.
- 3Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level of the peanut sauce. A touch of sriracha or chili garlic sauce can add a nice kick.
- 4Alternative Cooking Method: If you don't have a grill, you can roast the pak choi in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly browned.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Peanut Drizzle
Add 1/2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the peanut drizzle for a spicy kick.
Nut Free OptionNut-Free Option
Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for peanut butter, and omit the sesame oil if there are sesame allergies.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Serve alongside grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a complete meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Nutrients
Pak choi is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium, supporting overall health and immunity.
Antioxidant Properties
Contains powerful antioxidants like glucosinolates, which may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Heart Health
The healthy fats in peanut butter, combined with the fiber in pak choi, can contribute to cardiovascular health by helping to manage cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You might need to thin it with a little warm water before serving as it can thicken.
