How to Make a Perfect Veggie Stir-Fry

Veggie stir-fries are an absolute favorite among those looking for quick and easy meal solutions that are packed with flavor and nutrition. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside rice, noodles, or dumplings to make it more substantial.

Ingredients you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (such as olive or vegetable)
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly into half-moons
• 3 garlic cloves, minced finely
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced diagonally
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, snap peas)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnishing (optional)

Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Steps to Make a Perfect Veggie Stir-Fry:

1. Preparing the vegetables

To begin, prepare all your ingredients and have them ready by chopping or slicing into appropriate sizes. Begin with slicing the onion thinly, mincing garlic finely, and cutting up bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli.

2. Heating oil and cooking garlic

In a large wok or pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil until it is slightly shimmering. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to get that fragrant aroma but ensure not to burn them.

3. Stir-frying mixed vegetables

Add sliced onions into your wok, tossing quickly with the garlic until they start turning translucent, then add red bell peppers and carrots, stirring continuously. Cook for around 5 minutes while adding soy sauce during this time to enhance flavors.

4. Adding zucchini & broccoli

After five minutes of cooking, toss in sliced zucchini and mixed vegetables into the wok. Continue stir-frying until all veggies are nicely cooked but still crisp tender. This should take about 5 more minutes over medium heat.

5. Seasoning

Once everything is well combined and cooked to perfection, season it with salt according to your taste preference. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of freshness if desired.

Tips for a Delicious Veggie Stir-Fry:

1. For best results, use fresh vegetables whenever possible as they retain their natural flavors and texture better than frozen ones.
2. The key to a successful stir-fry is high heat, frequent stirring, and quick cooking. This technique ensures that the veggies stay crisp and vibrant in color.
3. If you prefer less saltiness, you may substitute soy sauce with other low-sodium options like tamari or Bragg's Liquid Aminos.

Enjoy your delicious, healthful veggie stir-fry as a side dish or main meal. Feel free to adjust the spices and vegetables based on personal preferences. This versatile recipe can be modified by adding proteins such as tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions:

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, dumplings, or even served atop a bed of lettuce leaves for a fresh, light salad. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to complete your meal.