# Pak choi (bok choy) cooking times

How long to cook pak choi: **3–5 min steamed, 2–4 min pan-fried, 2–3 min boiled and 2–3 min in the microwave**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/pak-choi-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook pak choi

Times are for 4 small heads, for 4.

Pak choi (bok choy): cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 3–5 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) | 2–4 min | over a high heat | Stir-fry in oil with garlic and ginger, add a splash of water and cover for a minute. |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 2–3 min | in boiling salted water | – |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 2–3 min | on full power, covered | With a tablespoon of water. |

## Before you start

Halve or quarter lengthways and rinse out any grit at the base.

## How to tell it’s done

Leaves wilted and stems just tender.

## Questions

### How long to steam pak choi?

3–5 min over simmering water.

### How long to pan-fry pak choi?

2–4 min over a high heat. Stir-fry in oil with garlic and ginger, add a splash of water and cover for a minute.

### How long to boil pak choi?

2–3 min in boiling salted water.

### How long to microwave pak choi?

2–3 min on full power, covered. With a tablespoon of water.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/