Name: Broccoli Mushroom Stir Fry Quick & Easy Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable broth; 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 lb broccoli, cut into bite-size florets; Pinch of salt; 2 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil; 1/2 lb button mushrooms, sliced; 4 dried Chinese chili peppers; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is more than just a weeknight meal; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture that consistently delights the senses. There’s something universally appealing about the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli mingling with the earthy, savory depth of tender mushrooms. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, packed with wholesome goodness and bursting with fresh ingredients. What truly sets our Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry apart is the delicate balance of a zesty, homemade sauce that coats every morsel, creating a harmonious symphony that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises a delicious and rewarding experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable broth
1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 lb broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
1/2 lb button mushrooms, sliced
4 dried Chinese chili peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced gin extractger

Preparing the Stir-Fry Sauce and Vegetables

Stir-Fry Sauce Preparation

Let’s get started by whisking together the components for our flavorful stir-fry sauce. In a small bowl, combine the vegetable broth, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. The light soy sauce provides a classic savory base, while the dark soy sauce adds a beautiful deep color and a slightly richer flavor. Next, add the sugar for a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness, and the ground black pepper for a hint of warmth. Finally, stir in the sesame oil for its distinctive nutty aroma and flavor that is essential to many Asian-inspired dishes. Set this delicious sauce mixture aside.

In a separate tiny bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the 2 tablespoons of water. This slurry will be used later to thicken our stir-fry sauce, giving it a glossy finish and ensuring it clings beautifully to the vegetables. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch; a smooth slurry is key for even thickening.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the main players: the broccoli and mushrooms. Wash your broccoli thoroughly and trim off any tough ends from the stems. Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets, ensuring they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Don’t discard the stems just yet! You can peel them and slice them thinly to add to the stir-fry for extra texture and flavor. Sprinkle the prepared broccoli florets with a pinch of salt. Salting the broccoli at this stage helps to draw out some moisture and can slightly tenderize it before cooking.

For the mushrooms, gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid washing them under running water, as they can absorb too much liquid. Slice the button mushrooms into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate as the other ingredients and contribute their earthy flavor throughout the dish.

Aromatic Base Preparation

We’re also going to prepare our aromatics. Mince the garlic cloves finely. The smaller they are, the more readily their pungent flavor will infuse the oil. If you havgin extractresh ginger, mince it as well. The regin extracte calls for “gin extractger,” which is a slight typo and should gin extractinterpreted as fresh ginger. Mincing it finely will release its zesty and slightly spicy notes. For the dried Chinese chili peppers, you can leave them whole for a more subtle heat that can be easily avoided, or if you prefer a spicier kick, you can snip them in half or even remove the seeds for more controlled heat. It’s entirely up to your preference.

Cooking the Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

Searing the Aromatics and Chilies

Now it’s time to heat up our wok or a large skillet. Add the peanut oil to your pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Peanut oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dried Chinese chili peppers. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until they become fragrant and slightly darkened. Be careful not to burn them, as this will make them bitter. Immediately agin extractthe minced garlic and minced ginger to the pan with the chilies. Stir-fry these aromatics for another 30 seconds until they are fragrant and lightly golden. This step is crucial for buildigin extracta deep layer of flavor at the very beginning of our stir-fry.

Cooking the Broccoli

Add the prepared broccoli florets to the hot pan. Toss them around to coat them evenly with the infused oil and aromatics. Stir-fry the broccoli for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until it starts to turn bright green and becomes slightly tender-crisp. We’re aiming for a vibrant color and a bite, not mushy broccoli. If your pan seems a little dry, you can add a splash of water or a tablespoon of vegetable broth to help steam the broccoli and prevent sticking. Keep the broccoli moving in the pan to ensure even cooking.

Adding the Mushrooms

Once the broccoli is nearly cooked to your liking, add the sliced button mushrooms to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened and released some of their moisture. Mushrooms can absorb a lot of oil, so keep an eye on the pan and stir frequently. As they cook, they will shrink and develop a lovely browned color, adding another dimension of flavor to the stir-fry.

Finishing the Stir Fry

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Give your prepared stir-fry sauce a quick stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Pour this sauce mixture over the broccoli and mushrooms in the pan. Stirgin extractll to coat everything evenly. As the sauce begins to bubble and heat through, it’s time to add the cornstarch slurry. Whisk the slurry one last time to ensure it’s smooth, then slowly pour it into the pan while continuously stirring. You’ll notice the sauce will thicken almost immediately, coating the vegetables in a beautiful, glossy glaze. Continue to stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; you might want a little more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch more sugar for sweetness. Serve this delicious Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

There you have it! A delicious and vibrant Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. This recipe is your new go-to for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive side dish. The earthy mushrooms and crisp broccoli, coated in a savory sauce, create a delightful texture and flavor combination that’s universally loved. I encourage you to give this Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry a try – you might be surprised by how simple and rewarding it is to create such a fantastic dish from scratch. Remember, the beauty of a stir fry lies in its adaptability, so don’t hesitate to experiment with the suggested variations below!

For serving suggestions, this Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is fantastic alongside steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles. It also makes a wonderful topping for baked potatoes or can be enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal.

Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots. For a protein boost, toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or a touch of sriracha to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry ahead of time?

While stir fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce components in advance. Chop your broccoli and mushrooms, mince your garlic and gin extractger, and mix your sauce ingredients separately. Then, when you’re ready to cook, simply stir fry everything together. This will significantly cut down on your cooking time.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?

If you’re out of soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari (a gluten-free alternative) or coconut aminos for a similar savory and umami flavor. You might need to adjust the amount of salt or other seasonings slightly depending on the substitution.