Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry!

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

A quick and healthy Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines the crispiness of fresh broccoli with the savory, earthy flavors of mushrooms. It’s perfect for a light weeknight meal, or it can be served as a side dish to accompany any main course. This stir-fry is vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients, making it a great addition to your healthy eating routine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (optional but adds extra zing)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (balances the acidity)
• 1 tablespoon water (to help with stir-frying)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the mushrooms.
   • Mince the garlic and grate the ginger (if using). Set aside.

2. Blanch the Broccoli:

   • To ensure the broccoli cooks quickly and maintains its bright green color, blanch it first. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and briefly blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until it’s tender yet still crisp.
   • Drain the broccoli and set it aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Mushrooms:

   • Heat the olive oil (or sesame oil) in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.

4. Add Garlic and Ginger:

   • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the mushrooms. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Combine Broccoli and Mushrooms:

   • Add the blanched broccoli to the pan and toss everything together. Stir to combine.

6. Season the Stir Fry:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Pour this sauce over the broccoli and mushrooms.
   • Add the crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broccoli to heat through.

7. Finish and Serve:

   • Once everything is cooked and well-coated with the sauce, remove the stir fry from the heat.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Rice: Serve your broccoli and mushroom stir-fry with a side of steamed rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) for a complete meal.
• Add Protein: You can also add some protein to this dish. Try tofu, tempeh, or chicken for a heartier option.
• Noodles: For a filling meal, serve over your favorite noodles, such as rice noodles or soba.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make, making it a perfect meal for busy days.
• Healthy: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from the broccoli and mushrooms, this stir fry is low in calories but high in flavor.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in other vegetables, like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots, based on what you have on hand.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: This stir fry is naturally vegan and gluten-free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce), making it a great choice for various dietary preferences.

This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s full of umami and crunch. Whether you’re serving it as a quick dinner or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy! 😊