Quick and Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe Guide
Vegetable stir-fry is a versatile and quick dish that can be made with a variety of fresh vegetables and sauces. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. Here’s a simple guide to creating a delicious vegetable stir-fry in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (such as olive oil or canola oil)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sugar snap peas (or snow peas)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (such as baby bella or button mushrooms)
- 1 can (8 oz) baby corn, drained (optional)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, vegetable broth, and sesame oil until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the carrots and broccoli first, as they take longer to cook. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
- Next, add the bell pepper, sugar snap peas, mushrooms, and baby corn. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 3–5 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the cooked vegetables. Stir well to coat all the veggies in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Customization
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use any combination of vegetables you like! Other great options include zucchini, asparagus, bok choy, or cauliflower.
- Protein Additions: For added protein, consider adding tofu, tempeh, seitan, or edamame to your stir-fry.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or incorporating fresh chili peppers into your stir-fry.
- Make Ahead: You can chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator to save time during meal prep.
Conclusion
This quick and easy vegetable stir-fry is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of colorful vegetables in one dish. With its customizable nature and simple preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy your healthy and vibrant stir-fry!