Speedy Vegetable Stir Fry with Savoury Sauce

Designed for busy evenings, this vegetable stir fry uses minimal active time, delivering a satisfying meal on the table in under half an hour. The approach focuses on preparing the vegetables and sauce efficiently, allowing everything to come together in one pan. This recipe is adaptable, making it a reliable option for using up various vegetables you have on hand, ensuring a fresh and flavourful dinner without unnecessary complexity.

Quick Overview

• Prep time: 12 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 22-24 minutes
• Serves: 2
• Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 3 tbsp water or vegetable stock

How to Make It

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over a high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the broccoli florets and carrot matchsticks to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and brighten in colour.
3. Introduce the sliced red bell pepper and red onion to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until all vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornflour, and water or vegetable stock until smooth.
6. Pour the sauce over the vegetables, stirring constantly to coat everything. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Serve immediately.

Cooking Notes

• To save time, pre-cut stir-fry vegetable mixes from the supermarket can be used. Adjust cooking times as necessary for different vegetables.
• Ensure the pan is very hot before adding vegetables; this helps achieve a good sear rather than steaming.
• For an extra layer of flavour, consider adding a handful of sliced mushrooms or sugar snap peas alongside the bell pepper.

Serving & Storage

Serve this vegetable stir fry hot, perhaps alongside some steamed brown rice or noodles for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

This recipe provides a good source of vitamins and fibre. Nutritional information will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

One last thing

Developing a repertoire of adaptable, quick meals is beneficial for consistent weeknight cooking. This stir fry method demonstrates how simple ingredients can be transformed efficiently into a flavourful dish, making it a valuable addition to your regular meal rotation.

It can be easily adjusted to suit seasonal vegetables or what you have available, ensuring that a healthy, home-cooked meal is always within reach, even on the busiest days.

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