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This broccoli and mushroom stir fry offers a quick and nutritious way to enjoy fresh vegetables with a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner when you want something healthy and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
I first made this on a busy weeknight and loved how it felt like a restaurant-quality dish but required minimal effort. It quickly became a staple for busy evenings in my household.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Two cups broccoli florets: choose firm bright green florets without yellow spots for the best crunch
- One cup sliced mushrooms: button mushrooms are mild and readily available while shiitake add a deeper umami flavor
- One medium onion thinly sliced: a sweet onion like vidalia adds a nice sweetness when cooked
- Two cloves garlic minced: fresh garlic provides sharp aromatic notes essential for the base flavor
- One tablespoon ginger minced: fresh ginger adds warmth and a slight zing that livens up the dish
- Two tablespoons vegetable oil: a neutral oil suitable for stir frying at high heat
- One tablespoon soy sauce: contributes saltiness and umami, opt for low sodium if preferred
- One tablespoon oyster sauce or a vegan alternative: adds richness and depth to the sauce
- One teaspoon sesame oil: for finishing aroma and flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste: adjust seasoning to your preference
- Optional sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: add a fresh and crunchy finishing touch
How to Make It
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Slice the mushrooms and onion thinly. Mince the garlic and ginger finely. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and fast.
- Heat the Oil:
- Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to warm until shimmering but not smoking. This ensures the vegetables will sauté rather than steam.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with flavor and forms the aromatic base.
- Cook Onions:
- Add the sliced onions and stir frequently. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent but not brown. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Mushrooms:
- Toss in the sliced mushrooms and continue to stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. This helps build the umami flavor in the dish.
- Incorporate Broccoli:
- Add the broccoli florets and stir everything together. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and remains crisp tender. Avoid overcooking to preserve nutrients and texture.
- Season:
- Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce evenly over the vegetables. Stir constantly to coat everything and allow the sauces to slightly caramelize on the veggies enhancing flavor complexity.
- Finish with Sesame Oil:
- Drizzle the sesame oil and stir for another minute. This finishing touch adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Saple the stir fry and add salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes the soy and oyster sauce provide enough seasoning, so adjust carefully.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top just before serving for color and crunchy texture contrast.
Broccoli stands out as my favorite ingredient here for its vibrant crunch and health benefits. I remember my kids being hesitant initially but warming up to it once I shared how we could customize the sauce to their taste.
Flavor Boosters
Store any leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave to keep vegetables crisp rather than mushy. Avoid freezing since broccoli tends to get watery after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir fry over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a filling meal. Add some toasted cashews or peanuts on top for extra crunch and protein. It pairs beautifully with grilled tofu or sliced chicken breast if you want to add animal protein.
Creative Twists
Swap vegetable oil with avocado oil or peanut oil for a different but still high-heat friendly cooking fat. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or mushroom stir fry sauce if preferred or for vegan choices. Broccoli can be swapped for seasonal greens like bok choy, snap peas, or green beans to change things up. Mushrooms are available year-round but experiment with morels or oyster mushrooms for fall and winter for a new twist.
This stir fry is a quick, healthy dish that packs a flavorful punch and invites lots of personalization.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep broccoli crisp during stir-frying?
Cook broccoli on high heat for a short time, stirring frequently to maintain its bright color and crunch.
- → What types of mushrooms work best for this dish?
Button and shiitake mushrooms both provide great texture and flavor that complement the broccoli well.
- → Can I substitute oyster sauce for a vegan option?
Yes, use a mushroom-based or soy-based vegan alternative to maintain the savory depth.
- → Why add sesame oil at the end of cooking?
Sesame oil is added last to preserve its aroma and impart a subtle, nutty finish without overpowering.
- → What garnish options enhance this stir-fry?
Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add fresh brightness and a pleasant crunch.