Broccoli stir fry is a vibrant, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone seeking a quick vegetarian meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy fresh broccoli combined with a savory sauce and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Stir frying locks in the natural crunch and bright green color of the broccoli, making every bite satisfying and healthy. This dish not only tastes amazing but also comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a wholesome lunch.
Vegetarian broccoli stir fry is versatile — you can customize it with your favorite veggies or add a little heat with chili flakes. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body.
Plus, it’s a fantastic introduction to Asian-inspired cooking techniques that you can explore further with other delicious recipes from our collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Broccoli stir fry is a classic vegetarian dish that offers a beautiful balance of texture and flavor. The crisp-tender broccoli florets combined with a savory, slightly sweet sauce create a mouthwatering experience.
This recipe is:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Highly nutritious, full of vitamins C, K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Customizable — use whatever veggies you have on hand.
- Vegan friendly and can be gluten-free if you select the right soy sauce.
- Great served alone or paired with rice, noodles, or your favorite grain.
You’ll find this stir fry an excellent staple in your vegetarian recipe arsenal and a great stepping stone to more complex dishes like the flavorful Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large wok or large non-stick skillet
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl for sauce
- Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Rinse the broccoli and cut into bite-sized florets. Peel and thinly slice the carrot. Slice the red bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and water or vegetable broth. Set aside.
- Heat the wok or skillet: Place over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and bell pepper: Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still have a crunch.
- Add the broccoli florets: Continue stir frying for another 3-4 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and crisp-tender.
- Pour in the sauce: Stir to coat all the vegetables evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir well. The sauce will begin to thicken, coating the veggies perfectly.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Cook for another minute until the sauce is glossy and thick.
- Remove from heat: Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy hot on its own or with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
“To keep your broccoli extra crisp, blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 minute before stir frying.”
- Protein boost: Add tofu cubes or tempeh for extra protein and texture.
- Veggie swaps: Include snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini for variety.
- Spice it up: Use chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped chilies to add heat.
- Nutty flavor: Toss in roasted cashews or peanuts for crunch and richness.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Make it saucier: Double the sauce ingredients and increase the cornstarch slurry for a saucier dish.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (serves 2) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 5 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sugar | 6 g |
Sodium | 700 mg |
This recipe is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for a balanced vegetarian diet. Broccoli brings vitamins C and K, while the garlic and ginger add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli stir fry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a filling meal.
Alternatively, toss it with noodles like soba or rice noodles for a comforting dish. For a low-carb option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or quinoa.
For a full meal, consider adding a simple miso soup or a fresh salad. You can also explore more vegetarian and vegan recipes like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement this stir fry.
Conclusion
This vegetarian broccoli stir fry is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match your favorite veggies and sauces for endless variations.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this dish is sure to satisfy with its perfect crunchy texture and savory sauce.
Not only is it a wholesome meal, but it also introduces simple stir-fry techniques that anyone can master. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out other vegetarian delights like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for sweet and savory inspiration.
Enjoy your cooking journey with this simple, tasty vegetarian broccoli stir fry—your taste buds and body will thank you!
📖 Recipe Card: Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A quick and healthy vegetarian broccoli stir fry packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas; stir fry for 5-6 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Pour sauce into the pan and cook until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens.
- Drizzle sesame oil and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
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