Let’s be honest, some weeknights feel like a race against the clock. The idea of cooking a wholesome, flavorful meal can feel like a huge task. But what if I told you that you could have a vibrant, delicious dinner on the table faster than you can decide on takeout? That’s the magic of great Stir Fries.
This recipe is my go to for a reason. It is incredibly simple, packed with fresh vegetables, and coated in a sauce that is just bursting with flavor. It is one of those perfect Weeknight Meals that makes you feel good about what you are eating without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to make this a new family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it is unbelievably fast. We are talking about a complete dish, from chopping to serving, in under 30 minutes. This makes it an absolute champion for those busy evenings when you need a Healthy Dinner without the fuss.
It is also incredibly versatile. Think of this recipe as a starting point. You can swap out the broccoli and mushrooms for any vegetables you have lingering in your fridge. Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, you name it. It is a fantastic way to clean out the crisper drawer and reduce food waste.
This dish is naturally healthy. It’s loaded with vitamins and fiber from all the fresh produce. If you are looking for amazing Carb Free Side Dishes, this Vegetable Stir Fry is perfect on its own. It is light, satisfying, and full of goodness.
Plus, the flavor is just fantastic. The sauce is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and rich notes that coat every single bite. It transforms simple vegetables into something truly special. This is one of those Mushroom Asian Recipes that tastes complex but is secretly an Easy Stir Fry to make.
Ingredients
The beauty of Stir Fries lies in simple, fresh ingredients. Here is what you will need to create this delicious dish. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything, I will share some substitution ideas in the tips section later on.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Making fantastic Stir Fries is all about preparation and timing. Get all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you even turn on the stove. This process moves quickly once you start cooking!
Step 1: Whisk The Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, cornstarch, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set this bowl aside right next to your stove. Having the sauce ready is key to a successful stir fry.
Step 2: Heat The Pan And Cook Aromatics
Place a large skillet or a wok over medium high heat. Let it get nice and hot. Add the vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it just starts to soften and become translucent.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. This is where the magic starts. Cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing, fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Stir Fry The Vegetables
Now it is time for the main event. Add the broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Keep the heat up and stir everything frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes. You are looking for the broccoli to turn a vibrant, bright green and become tender but still have a slight crunch. The mushrooms will soften and release some of their moisture.
Step 4: Add The Sauce And Garnish
Give your prepared sauce one final quick whisk and pour it all into the pan over the vegetables. Toss everything together to make sure each piece is coated in that delicious sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The cornstarch in the sauce will activate with the heat and cause it to thicken slightly, clinging perfectly to the veggies.
Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some freshly sliced green onions for a bit of freshness and texture. Your beautiful Vegetable Stir Fry is ready to serve.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Let the stir fry cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.
When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave for a minute or two. For the best texture, I recommend reheating it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the vegetables from getting too soft.
Tips
Want to customize your Easy Stir Fry? Here are a few of my favorite tips and variations to make this recipe your own.
Feel free to add other vegetables. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, shredded carrots, or baby corn are all wonderful additions. Just be sure to cut harder vegetables, like carrots, into smaller pieces so they cook at the same rate as the others.
Turn this into a full meal by adding some protein. Thinly sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or cubed tofu are all excellent choices. Cook the protein first, remove it from the pan, cook your vegetables, and then add the protein back in with the sauce at the end.
This makes for fantastic Steak Vegetable Sides as well. Simply cook your steak to your liking, let it rest, slice it thinly, and serve it alongside this flavorful vegetable mix. It is a perfect pairing for a complete Healthy Dinner.
If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite chili garlic sauce into the sauce mixture. It adds a nice kick of heat that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
The secret to great Stir Fries is high heat. Do not be afraid to turn up the temperature on your stove. A hot pan sears the vegetables quickly, keeping them crisp and preventing them from becoming soggy. This is why a wok is traditionally used, but a large, heavy bottomed skillet works just as well.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile recipe for homemade Stir Fries that is perfect for any night of the week. It is proof that you do not need complicated ingredients or a lot of time to create a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Whether you enjoy it as one of your go to Carb Free Side Dishes or serve it over rice for a more substantial meal, this recipe is a keeper. It is a wonderful way to pack more vegetables into your diet and a great starting point for countless Mushroom Asian Recipes. I hope you love this Easy Stir Fry as much as I do.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
Yes, you can. For best results, thaw the frozen vegetables completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the hot pan. This helps remove excess moisture and prevents them from steaming instead of stir frying.
Is Oyster Sauce Necessary?
Oyster sauce adds a unique savory and slightly sweet flavor, but you can leave it out if you prefer. To replace it, you can add a little extra soy sauce and maybe a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. There are also vegetarian mushroom based oyster sauces available.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?
To make this gluten free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten free soy sauce. Also, ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten free, as some brands contain wheat.
What Is The Best Oil For Making Stir Fries?
You want to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil are all excellent choices for making Stir Fries because they can handle the high heat without burning.
Easy Vegetable Stir Fry
A quick and flavorful vegetable stir fry recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh veggies and a delicious savory sauce, this easy stir fry is a healthy and satisfying meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, cornstarch, and black pepper. Whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms. Stir fry frequently for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Whisk the sauce again and pour it into the pan. Toss to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Cut harder vegetables smaller for even cooking.
Add protein like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu by cooking it first, setting it aside, and adding it back with the sauce.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
High heat is key for stir-fries! It sears the vegetables quickly, keeping them crisp and preventing sogginess.
Nutrition
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