Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

This Vegetable Stir-Fry is a quick, colorful dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It’s versatile, allowing you to use a variety of vegetables and customize the sauce to your taste. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive or canola)
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 8 oz baby corn spears, drained
• 8 oz mushrooms (white or brown), sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
• 1 cup snow peas (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• Optional: hot sauce for heat (e.g., Sriracha)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

• Chop all vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, broth, honey (or brown sugar), and cornstarch mixture. Set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

• Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add carrots and broccoli first; stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Add mushrooms, bell pepper, snow peas, and baby corn. Continue to stir-fry for another 3–5 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.

Add Garlic and Ginger:

• Stir in minced garlic and ginger; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine with Sauce:

• Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve:

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot over rice or noodles if desired.

Tips for Customization

• Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you have on hand such as zucchini, asparagus, or snap peas.
• Protein: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef for a more filling meal.
• Nuts: Consider adding cashews or almonds for extra crunch.
• Spicy Kick: For heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or more hot sauce.

Creative Ways to Add Protein to a Vegetable Stir-Fry

1. Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden for a plant-based protein option.
2. Tempeh: This fermented soy product can be sliced or crumbled and added for a nutty flavor and texture.
3. Legumes: Chickpeas or black beans can be added for extra protein and fiber.
4. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, or sesame seeds can be tossed in at the end for crunch and protein.
5. Eggs: Scramble eggs in the pan before adding vegetables for a quick protein boost.
6. Meat or Seafood: Chicken, beef, shrimp, or fish can be cooked first and then combined with vegetables.

Using Frozen Vegetables in a Stir-Fry

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in a stir-fry. To thaw them properly:

• Quick Thawing: Place frozen vegetables in a colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes.
• No Thawing Needed: Alternatively, add frozen vegetables directly to the hot pan; just increase cooking time slightly to ensure they heat through.

Good Side Dishes to Pair with Vegetable Stir-Fry

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are classic options.
• Noodles: Serve with rice noodles, udon, or soba noodles.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls complement stir-fry well.
• Salad: A light Asian-style salad with sesame dressing can balance the meal.

Making Stir-Fry Sauce Without Soy Sauce

You can create a flavorful stir-fry sauce without soy sauce by using:

• Coconut Aminos: A soy sauce alternative made from coconut sap.
• Broth-Based Sauce: Combine vegetable broth with garlic, ginger, vinegar (like rice vinegar), and a sweetener (like honey or maple syrup).
• Peanut Sauce: Mix peanut butter with water, vinegar, and spices for a creamy alternative.

Vegetables That Hold Up Best in a Stir-Fry

• Broccoli: Maintains its crunch and color when cooked quickly at high heat.
• Carrots: Their firmness allows them to hold up well; slice them thinly for quicker cooking.
• Bell Peppers: Add vibrant color and retain their texture during cooking.
• Snow Peas: These stay crisp and tender when stir-fried.
• Mushrooms: They absorb flavors well and maintain their structure without becoming mushy.

These tips will help you create a delicious and nutritious vegetable stir-fry tailored to your preferences!

This stir-fry is not only quick but also a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge! Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!