Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I’m in the mood for a meal that’s both comforting and full of fresh, vibrant flavors, this Savory Bok Choy Bacon Rice is one of my favorite go-to recipes. It’s a fantastic one-pan wonder that brings together crispy, smoky bacon, tender bok choy, and perfectly cooked rice, all seasoned with a savory Asian-inspired sauce. This dish is a true celebration of simple ingredients, proving that you don’t need a lot of fuss to create something truly delicious and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The bok choy adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that is a fantastic contrast to the salty, smoky bacon. The rice acts as a perfect canvas, soaking up all the savory goodness from the sauce. It’s a complete meal in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and a lot more time to enjoy your dinner. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, so you can easily add other vegetables or protein to make it your own. It’s a fantastic solution for a busy weeknight and a dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large head bok choy, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Bacon: A thick-cut bacon will give you a heartier flavor and texture. You can also use a smoked ham or pancetta as a substitute.
- Bok Choy: You can use baby bok choy or a regular head of bok choy. Slicing it into thin strips works best here.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works perfectly here, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice. Just be sure to rinse it first.
- Broth: Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds a deep layer of flavor to the rice.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon pieces over medium-high heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sliced bok choy and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the bok choy has wilted slightly.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to toast it slightly.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spoon—this is where a lot of the flavor lives! Stir everything together.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time!
- Rest and Fluff: Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the reserved crispy bacon.
- Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the dish hot, directly from the skillet.
Tips for Success
- Rinse the Rice: This is a crucial step for a fluffy, non-gummy rice dish.
- Use a Tight-Fitting Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential for trapping the steam and ensuring the rice cooks properly.
- Don’t Overcook the Bok Choy: You want the bok choy to still have a little bite to it, so don’t cook it for too long before adding the rice.
- Rest is Best: Letting the rice rest after cooking is a non-negotiable step for achieving a perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Savory Bok Choy Bacon Rice is a complete meal on its own. You can serve it with a side of steamed dumplings or a simple green salad. It would also make a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals, from grilled chicken to a simple fish dish. The savory, Asian-inspired flavors would go great with other hearty meals like this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or a comforting bowl of Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this dish are fantastic. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of broth to add moisture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, savory, and satisfying meals, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
Final Thoughts
This Savory Bok Choy Bacon Rice is a perfect example of a simple recipe that delivers a huge payoff in flavor. It’s a no-fuss meal that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your go-to one-pan meal for a quick weeknight dinner? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.
Savory Bok Choy Bacon Rice: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bok choy and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, soy sauce, black pepper, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
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