Simple Vegan Stir-Fry Recipe

The popularity of vegan stir-fry dishes has grown significantly in recent years due to their versatility and health benefits. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients from various vegetables, tofu or tempeh, and a tasty sauce.

Ingredients for Simple Vegan Stir-Fry

• 1 block of firm tofu (or tempeh), cut into cubes
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• Cooked brown rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

This recipe is designed to be simple, so you can easily adjust the ingredients according to your taste. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious vegan stir-fry:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Start by cubing the firm tofu or cutting tempeh into cubes if using it instead of tofu.
2. Slice the red bell pepper and shred the carrot. Cut broccoli florets into smaller pieces for faster cooking time.
3. Mince the garlic cloves and have everything ready to go in separate bowls.

Step 2: Cook Tofu or Tempeh

4. In a pan, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes or tempeh pieces and sauté them until golden brown on all sides. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once done, remove the tofu or tempeh from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables

6. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
7. Next, stir-fry the bell pepper strips, carrots, and broccoli florets together. Ensure that these vegetables are cooked just enough so they retain their crispness yet become tender when ready to serve. This should take approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

8. Add the cooked tofu or tempeh back into the pan with the stir-fried vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of soy sauce if desired.
9. Mix everything together well to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Final Step: Serve with Cooked Rice or Noodles

Serve your vegan stir-fry hot over some cooked brown rice or noodles. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor if you wish.

The total cooking time for this recipe is about 20 minutes, and it serves approximately four people as a main course. You can easily scale up or down based on your family size or how hungry everyone might be!

Tips & Variations

For those who prefer additional flavors, you could add some ginger root to the garlic for extra zing, or mix in fresh basil leaves right at the end of cooking. If you're looking to make this dish heartier, consider adding more tofu or tempeh pieces.

Remember that the key to a successful stir-fry is timing - ensure each ingredient gets cooked just enough so it remains vibrant and tasty but not overcooked. Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in achieving great flavor profiles.

Conclusion

A simple vegan stir-fry can be an incredibly satisfying meal that you can whip up quickly using readily available pantry items. Its adaptability allows you to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings, making every batch unique while maintaining its core simplicity and deliciousness.