Out of Bok choy, one case
Can you substitute spinach for bok choy?
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Baby spinach
Same amount as the bok choy
Yes, you can substitute spinach for bok choy, but there are important differences. Spinach wilts quickly and has a different texture, so it works best in soups and quick-cooking dishes rather than stir-fries.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full bok choy card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of bok choy | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baby spinachsoups | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Mature spinachsoups | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Swiss chardstir fry | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Kalestir fry | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Spinach + celerystir fry | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Baby spinach
different taste and texture
Tender spinach leaves that work well in quick-cooking dishes
- Best for
- soups, salads, quick stir fry, steamed dishes, side dishes
Very tender and cooks quickly. Add in last minute of cooking.
Mature spinach
different taste and texture
Regular spinach with more robust texture
- Best for
- soups, braised dishes, stir fry, side dishes, mixed dishes
Remove tough stems. Cooks quickly but holds shape better than baby spinach.
Swiss chard
different taste, similar texture
Leafy green with similar cooking properties to bok choy
- Best for
- stir fry, soups, braised dishes, side dishes, mixed dishes
Similar texture to bok choy. Remove tough stems, chop leaves.
Kale
different taste and texture
Heartier leafy green that holds up better to cooking
- Best for
- stir fry, soups, braised dishes, side dishes, mixed dishes
Takes longer to cook than spinach. Remove tough stems.
Spinach + celery
different taste, similar texture
Combination that mimics bok choy's stem and leaf structure
- Best for
- stir fry, soups, mixed dishes, side dishes, salads
Use celery for stems, spinach for leaves. Good texture contrast.
How it behaves in this recipe
Spinach can work as a bok choy substitute in certain dishes, but it's important to understand the differences. Spinach wilts very quickly and becomes soft, while bok choy maintains some crunch. Spinach works best in soups and quick-cooking dishes where the soft texture is acceptable.
Tips for substituting bok choy
6 tips- Spinach wilts very quickly - add it in the last minute of cooking
- Baby spinach is more tender and cooks faster than mature spinach
- Remove tough stems from mature spinach before cooking
- Spinach works best in soups and quick-cooking dishes
- Don't overcook spinach - it becomes mushy quickly
- Consider the dish - spinach may not work well in all bok choy recipes
Notes on bok choy
- Try Swiss chard for better texture match to bok choy
- Use kale for heartier texture that holds up better
- Consider Chinese broccoli for authentic Asian flavor
- Mix spinach with celery for better texture contrast
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute spinach for bok choy?
Yes, you can substitute spinach for bok choy, but there are important differences. Spinach wilts quickly and has a different texture, so it works best in soups and quick-cooking dishes rather than stir-fries where you want to maintain some crunch.
What's the difference between bok choy and spinach?
Bok choy has crisp white stems and dark green leaves that maintain texture when cooked. Spinach wilts quickly and becomes soft. Bok choy is more versatile for different cooking methods, while spinach works best in quick-cooking dishes.
Which spinach is best as bok choy substitute?
Baby spinach is more tender and cooks faster, making it better for quick dishes. Mature spinach has more robust texture but still wilts quickly. Swiss chard is actually a better substitute as it has similar cooking properties to bok choy.
How do I cook spinach as bok choy substitute?
Add spinach in the last minute of cooking since it wilts very quickly. For stir-fries, add it at the very end. For soups, add it in the last 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don't overcook or it becomes mushy.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of bok choy?
Frozen spinach can work as a bok choy substitute in soups and braised dishes, but it will be very soft and mushy. Fresh spinach is better for maintaining some texture. Frozen spinach is not suitable for stir-fries where you want crisp texture.