Can You Freeze Bok Choy? (Amazing Tips For Newbies)

Yes, you can! With appropriate methods, it is possible to freeze this low-calorie cabbage without sacrificing its nutrition and tastiness.

Native to China, bok choy boasts fantastic flavors and health-enhancing benefits. However, not everyone knows how to store it properly to keep it in optimal condition. That’s why in this post, we’ll sketch out the instructions for you to do so.

Related: The ultimate list of vegetables you should know about

How To Freeze Bok Choy

Frozen bok choy is notorious for its squashy consistency, which many people deem undesirable. However, if you utilize and master the proper techniques, it can still be delectable.

  1. Wipe this vegetable using a damp paper towel to get rid of excess dirt, grime, harmful viruses, or germs. This keeps your greens hygienic and bacteria-free. And remember that the last thing you want to do is soaking or rinsing it underwater. This is because excess moisture can destroy this cabbage’s crispiness and turn it into a mushy, unacceptable mess.
  2. Remove 1 inch off the bottom of this vegetable because this part is inedible. Subsequently, chop its stems and leaves into pieces.
  3. Put 2 cups of this leafy green into sealable bags. Try to suck the air out of these plastic packages to prevent premature spoilage. After that, seal your bags as tightly as possible.
  4. Write dates on the front of your bags, which aids your memory and prevents you from freezing it for extended periods. But this step is optional because this Chinese type of cabbage can be preserved at freezing temperatures for up to 12 months without losing much of its delicious taste or nutritional value.
  5. Put your cut-up ones in the freezer.

Can You Freeze It Whole?

Although chopping this leafy green is advisable, you can freeze yours wholely. In fact, in China, where this type of cabbage originates, people prefer to freeze the entire thing as its squishy consistency goes exceptionally well with the tender texture of their traditional vermicelli.

To do this, follow the steps above, apart from step 2, which requires you to cut it up.

How To Cook Frozen Bok Choy?

Recipes featuring frozen bok choy are innumerable, the most notable of which are stews, soups, and stir-fries. What’s more, this Chinese cabbage variety can be added to a myriad of dishes, be they fried rice, noodles, or salads. This is because this vegetable’s flavor is a great companion to virtually any ingredient. In other words, this delightful yet mild vegetable subtly enhances, instead of dominates, the taste of other food.

The most straightforward way of preparing this cabbage is stir-frying it. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Cut the thickest part at the end of this vegetable since this part is loaded with dirt. Next, rid the cabbage of wilted outer leaves, separate its fresh leaves and wash it thoroughly under running water.
  2. Peel off your garlic and mince it.
  3. Put your non-stick skillet on the stove and adjust the heat to medium or medium-high. Then, pour in any cooking oil of your choice, such as vegetable, olive, or sesame oil.
  4. Add the finely chopped garlic in, and wait until it sizzles in your frying pan.
  5. When your light yellow garlic turns golden brown and gives off an aromatic smell, it’s time you put in your bok choy. Don’t forget to stir it well so that both sides of its leaves are dipped in the garlicky, fragrant oil.
  6. Keep stirring quickly and vigorously for a total of 15 seconds.
  7. Pour water into your skillet. Then, turn off the heat.
  8. Cover your pan with a lid for roughly 1 minute. As the water evaporates, its steam will heat your cabbage.
  9. Serve your leafy greens with soy sauce, or add a few dashes of soy sauce on top for an extra burst of flavor. Then, finally, enjoy your dish!

How Long Does Bok Choy Last In The Freezer?

Theoretically speaking, when constantly preserved at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, this Chinese cabbage can remain edible indefinitely.

However, health experts highly recommend that you only store it in your freezer for no more than 12 months. Although this vegetable doesn’t tend to rot after this time, it might not retain the original crispiness and tasty flavor.

How Can You Tell If It Has Gone Bad?

Softness is the first indicator of veggie that has passed its peak quality. Fresh bok choy is a bit woody and firm to the touch, but this firmness diminishes over time.

After its softness sets in, discoloration is another warning signal. Bok choy that has developed imperfections in the form of brown spots should be tossed away.

How Do You Keep It Fresh In The Fridge?

For this Chinese cabbage to maintain its initial freshness, put it in airtight freezer bags and refrigerate it as soon as it is brought home. And most importantly, only rinse it under water immediately before cooking.

Doing so can maximize the lifespan of your vegetable and keep it in prime condition for 3 or 4 days.

Is It A Superfood?

Although there isn’t any precise definition for the word “Superfood,” this low-calorie yet nutrient-dense ingredient can deservingly be classified into this category.

This Chinese cabbage variety is hailed as a powerhouse of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. First, it is chock full of folate, which acts as an impediment to cancer. This is because folate can forestall the mutation of malfunctioning DNA.

Second, it is a superb supply of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene, whose synergistic actions can shield cells against damage caused by environmental stressors.

Finally, it houses selenium, which eases your body’s detoxification process. Therefore, it is the all-time favorite veggie among health-conscious individuals.

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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