Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal? This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or when you’re craving a wholesome vegetarian dish. Packed with vibrant flavors and loaded with nutrients, this stir fry is a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds while supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Nutritious: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish or side, and customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Diet-Friendly: Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet flavorful stir fry:
Vegetables
- Broccoli: 2 cups, cut into florets
- Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake work well)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Bell Peppers (optional): 1, sliced for added color and crunch
Sauce
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (use tamari for gluten-free)
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, skip for vegan)
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
- Vegetable Stock: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance flavors)
Garnish
- Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon, toasted
- Spring Onions: 2, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Wash and cut the broccoli and mushrooms.
- Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the onion and optional bell peppers.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, vegetable stock, sugar, and cornstarch slurry.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add garlic, ginger, and onion, and stir fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in the broccoli florets and mushrooms (and bell peppers if using). Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are evenly glazed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
- As a Side Dish: Complement grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Protein Boost: Add tofu, tempeh, or shrimp for extra protein.
Health Benefits
This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is a powerhouse of nutrients:
- Broccoli: High in vitamin C, K, and fiber, it supports immunity and digestion.
- Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants, they promote heart health and immunity.
- Ginger and Garlic: Known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Tips for Perfect Stir Fry
- High Heat is Key: Cook on high heat to retain the crunch and vibrant colors of the vegetables.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep the broccoli tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients ready before cooking, as stir fry cooks quickly.
Conclusion
This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a veggie-packed meal. Its quick preparation and versatile nature make it a favorite for families and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
- Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve the stir fry over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
- Add to a bed of noodles, like rice noodles, lo mein, or soba, for a hearty twist.
- Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or alongside dumplings for an Asian-inspired spread.
- Toppings for Extra Flavor:
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Drizzle a little sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Customizations:
- Add protein like tofu, tempeh, or chicken to turn this stir fry into a complete, balanced meal.
- Incorporate additional vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for more variety.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating:
- How to Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Shelf Life: Best consumed within 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable stock to revive the sauce and prevent sticking.
Freezing:
- Freezing Option: This stir fry freezes well, but note that the texture of broccoli may soften after thawing.
- How to Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Shelf Life: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
Pro Tip for Meal Prep
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and store in individual portions for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
- Separate Sauces: If planning to store for longer periods, keep the sauce and stir-fried vegetables separate to maintain freshness and texture.
This dish’s flexibility in serving and storing makes it an excellent option for meal preppers and busy households. Enjoy it fresh or save it for later—you can’t go wrong!
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to thaw and pat the frozen broccoli dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir fry. Fresh broccoli is ideal for a tender-crisp texture, but frozen works well for convenience.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Also, check that your oyster sauce (if using) is labeled gluten-free or skip it altogether.
3. What can I use as a substitute for mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with zucchini, snap peas, or even sliced carrots. These vegetables maintain a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
4. Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The actual stir frying is best done fresh to retain the vibrant colors and crunch of the vegetables.
Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This broccoli and mushroom stir fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish. Packed with tender-crisp broccoli, earthy mushrooms, and a savory garlic-soy sauce, it’s perfect as a side dish or light main course when paired with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the stir fry:
- 2 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
- 2 cups (250 g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Optional garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to steam the broccoli slightly and make it tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until browned and softened.
- Combine vegetables and sauce:
- Return the broccoli to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss well to coat. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli and mushrooms evenly.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add tofu, chicken, or shrimp to the stir fry.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for more vegetable variety.