Simple Vegan Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a quick and tasty vegan stir-fry recipe that can be ready in under 30 minutes? This popular dish is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something both healthy and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking, this stir-fry can serve up to four people.

The key ingredient of this recipe is the versatility of vegetables. You can customize it with whatever veggies are in your fridge or what you prefer—bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, snap peas, or even mushrooms. The main flavors come from a simple sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 cups of your choice of vegetables

Instructions

1. Heat the canola oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about two minutes until the onions soften slightly.
3. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Continue stirring to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce. Cook for another minute.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preference.
5. If you're using additional vegetables, add them during this step and continue stir-frying until all vegetables are cooked through but still crisp-tender. This usually takes about five more minutes depending on the type of vegetable used.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

This vegan stir-fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, onions provide prebiotic fiber which supports gut health, and garlic has antimicrobial properties that help boost immunity. If you're looking for a quick yet nutritious dinner option, this recipe provides an easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables.

For those who want to add more flavor or complexity, consider trying different sauces such as teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, adding some hot pepper flakes for heat, or incorporating tofu or tempeh into the dish. Each variation will give you a slightly different taste and texture while keeping the overall preparation time under 30 minutes.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry

Proper technique is essential in making this stir-fry successful. Make sure your wok or pan is very hot before adding any ingredients to ensure everything cooks quickly and evenly. Always cut all vegetables into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate. And remember, timing is crucial—overcooking can lead to soggy vegetables while undercooked ones might not be safe to eat.

Additionally, if you're making this dish in advance, consider adding some leftover cooked rice or noodles to serve alongside. Leftovers make for a great lunch the next day too! If storing leftovers, keep them refrigerated and consume within two days. This way, you can enjoy this tasty meal even after the initial cooking.

To conclude, whether you're trying something new in your kitchen or just looking for an easy go-to dish, our simple vegan stir-fry recipe offers a delightful solution. Its adaptability allows you to experiment with various ingredients and flavors according to your own preferences. Plus, it's incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the portion sizes depending on how many people you're feeding.