Ever tried swapping out choy sum (a leafy Asian brassica, Brassica rapa var. parachinensis) in your favorite dishes? We did.
And guess what? The results were pretty awesome.
Finding alternatives isn't just about shaking things up. It's about discovering new flavors that can turn an okay meal into a "wow, what's in this?" experience.
We've all been in that spot where the fridge has more empty space than ingredients. That's the perfect time to get creative.
We're here to share our top picks for substituting choy sum. No fancy words, just good old practical advice.
Trust us, your dinner plate is about to get a lot more interesting.
7 Easy Substitutes for Choy Sum
If you're feeling adventurous and want to add some twist to your meals, these alternatives are worth trying out:
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
| Bok Choy | Mild, Fresh | Crisp | Stir-fries, Soups, Salads |
| Gai Lan | Bitter, Sweet | Tender | Stir-fries, Steamed Dishes |
| Baby Spinach | Mild, Earthy | Tender | Salads, Smoothies, Pasta Dishes |
| Kale | Earthy, strong | Chewy | Salads, Soups, Smoothies |
| Swiss Chard | Earthy, Slightly Bitter | Tender | Sauteed, Stir-fries, Casseroles |
| Mustard Greens | Peppery, Bitter | Crisp | Salads, Stir-fries, Soups |
| Broccolini | Mild, Sweet | Tender | Stir-fries, Roasted Dishes, Salads |
1 - Bok Choy
Bok choy steps in seamlessly as a choy sum stand-in. It's crisp, leafy, and brings a slight peppery twist to dishes, with a mild cabbage-like sweetness.
We gave it a go in stir-fries, and boy, did it liven things up.
The swap is a no-brainer, one-to-one, easy as pie.
Here's the kicker, we found the stems pack a juiciness that's second to none. Really kicks up the moisture in any recipe.
We tossed it into a soup last Tuesday.
The soup was a hit; didn't miss the choy sum one bit.
Curious about other ways to switch up your greens? Check out more ideas right here.
2 - Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)
Gai Lan, also known as Chinese Broccoli, hops in as our second substitute. It's got a bit of a bitter edge, yet it rounds out dishes in a way that's hard to beat, with its bitter, broccoli-like flavor.
We tossed it into a beef stir-fry.
The outcome? Plates were cleaned.
This green warrior does well in a straight swap for choy sum. Mix it into any dish at a one-to-one ratio.
We tried it in a noodle dish on Thursday.
Ended up making it twice.
Pair it with oyster sauce for a classic touch. Our kitchen experiment turned into a weekly must-have.
3 - Baby Spinach
Baby spinach jumps into the mix as a fab switch for choy sum. It's soft, yet sturdy enough to stick the landing in a variety of dishes.
We tossed it into pasta, and the vibe it added was just right.
This green fits in with a straightforward one-to-one swap ratio (by weight).
Spinach makes dishes come alive in a subtle way. We added it to an omelette and, surprise, the meal felt new again.
For folks looking to mix things up, baby spinach is a solid bet for spinach stuffed chicken sides.
Curious about more green swaps? Find them here, where we share the scoop on making your dishes pop with different greens.
4 - Kale
Kale steps up as a sturdy alternative to choy sum. This leaf brings a filling texture to meals.
Its earthy flavor improves dishes in a distinctive way, with slightly bitter, mineral notes.
We tossed kale into a stir-fry. The dish gained a new depth.
Kale fits into recipes easily, swapping at a one-to-one ratio with choy sum; pair it with best sides for kale salad.
We also experimented by adding it to a smoothie. Result? A refreshing change.
5 - Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard steps in, and wow, does it make a scene as a choy sum alternative. Its leaves bring a slight bitterness that wakes up any dish, with beet-like stems and a minerally bite.
We threw it into quiches. Everyone wanted seconds.
Swiss chard slips into meals with a simple swap, equal for equal.
We found its texture to add just the right crunch. Swiss chard made our veggie lasagna something to talk about.
Mixing it up with chard? Here's where to dig in deeper on swiss chard swaps: find how to switch things up with cheese swaps for swiss cheese.
6 - Mustard Greens
Mustard greens step in as a bright option. They mix into dishes easily, offering a peppery kick, with a sharp, horseradish-like heat.
We threw them into a stir-fry, and the dish lit up.
The swap ratio? Simple, one-on-one.
Their leaves work wonders in salads too. Gave us a fresh take on lunch.
Interested in other ways to twist your recipes? Peek into this for more ideas on swaps like mustard greens and ground mustard swaps for recipes.
7 - Broccolini
Broccolini jumps into the scene as our seventh swap. It brings a crunch and a mild flavor, with sweet, broccoli-like notes.
Perfect for those looking for something a bit gentler.
We tried it in salads and stir-fries. The swap worked like a charm, one for one with choy sum.
Its longer stems added a nice touch to the texture.
In our attempt at a pasta dish, broccolini made a great addition. It gave the meal a fresh twist.
No detailed steps required, just chop and go.
Craving more green alternatives? Give our selection a peek here for some valuable swaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bok choy is the closest substitute, offering a similar texture and mild flavor.
Gai lan, or Chinese broccoli, has a more strong flavor and is a great alternative to choy sum in stir-fries and soups.
Yes, baby spinach offers a tender texture, though it's milder and more delicate than choy sum.
Kale has a heartier texture, making it a good substitute for choy sum, especially in soups and salads.
Yes, Swiss chard offers a similar flavor and texture, though it's slightly earthier than choy sum.
Mustard greens have a spicier flavor but work well as a substitute for choy sum in cooked dishes.
Broccolini is a great substitute, offering a mild flavor and a tender yet crunchy texture similar to choy sum.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
