Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry

A Chinese vegetable stir-fry is a flavorful and healthy dish that can be customized with various vegetables and sauces.

Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any preferred oil for stir-frying)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced (optional)
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/2 cup snow peas or snap peas
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for a richer flavor)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch (if using), and water. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the garlic and ginger (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the harder vegetables first, like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the softer vegetables (snow peas, mushrooms, and onions) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
4. Add the sauce: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the vegetables.
5. Finish and serve: If you like, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips:

• You can adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
• For a protein boost, you can add tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken to the stir-fry.
• To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a bit of chili sauce.

Enjoy your healthy and colorful Chinese vegetable stir-fry!