Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

A Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that makes for a perfect side or main course. The combination of tender broccoli and earthy mushrooms cooked in a savory sauce makes this stir fry both satisfying and healthy. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while keeping the preparation simple and fast. Plus, this dish is easily customizable—you can add protein like tofu, chicken, or beef if you like, or keep it as a vegetarian option.

This stir fry can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. The stir fry sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and tangy, providing the perfect balance of flavors to complement the broccoli and mushrooms.

Ingredients:

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 small head of broccoli)
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (white, cremini, or shiitake work well)
• 1 red bell pepper (optional, sliced, for added color and flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated or minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for tang)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)
• 1/4 cup water (for the sauce mixture)

Equipment:

• Wok or large skillet
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl (for the sauce)
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Time: 5 minutes

• Wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. If the stems are thick, peel and slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
• Clean and slice the mushrooms. You can use any type of mushrooms, but cremini and white mushrooms work well for a simple stir fry.
• Slice the red bell pepper (if using), and set it aside.
• Mince the garlic and grate or finely mince the ginger (if using).
• In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the stir fry sauce: soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, chili paste (if using), cornstarch, and water. Set the sauce aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

Time: 8-10 minutes

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the broccoli florets first and stir fry for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can cover the pan for a minute or two to allow it to steam slightly.
• Next, add the sliced mushrooms and bell pepper (if using) to the wok. Stir fry for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture. Stir frequently to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to release their aromas and prevent burning.

3. Add the Stir Fry Sauce:

Time: 2-3 minutes

• Pour the prepared stir fry sauce into the pan with the cooked vegetables. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables in the sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. If you used cornstarch, the sauce will thicken up and become glossy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or chili paste for more heat.
• Continue to stir the vegetables to ensure they are well-coated and heated through.

4. Garnish and Serve:

Time: 1 minute

• Once the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are evenly coated, remove the stir fry from the heat.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional) for added crunch and flavor.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a side dish with grilled meats, tofu, or other proteins.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with Rice or Noodles: This stir fry is great when served over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles like soba, rice noodles, or egg noodles.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to the stir fry. Simply sauté your chosen protein separately and add it to the pan along with the sauce in step 3.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes:

• Make It Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring you use a plant-based hoisin sauce and skipping the oyster sauce (which is made from shellfish).
• Spice Level: If you prefer a mild stir fry, omit the chili paste or red pepper flakes. For a spicier dish, add more chili paste or even some fresh sliced chili peppers.
• Crunchy Veggies: If you like your vegetables with a bit more crunch, reduce the cooking time for the broccoli and mushrooms. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas, baby corn, or carrots for added variety.
• Sauce Variations: If you don’t have one of the sauces, you can swap or omit them. For example, you can substitute the oyster sauce with more soy sauce or tamari, or use balsamic vinegar in place of rice vinegar. The recipe is quite flexible.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan with a little water or oil to bring back some of the moisture.
• Freezing: Stir-fried vegetables don’t always freeze well due to their high water content, but you can freeze this dish if needed. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw and stir fry in a pan until heated through.

Conclusion:

This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for busy nights or as a side to your favorite protein. It’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli and mushrooms, and the stir fry sauce ties everything together with a savory, umami-rich flavor. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for an easy, satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nutritious!