Adobo Stir Fry Vegetarian Recipe for Quick Healthy Meals

If you’re searching for a flavorful, quick, and nutritious vegetarian dish, look no further than this Adobo Stir Fry Vegetarian Recipe. Adobo, a classic Filipino sauce known for its tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, is traditionally made with meat.

However, this vegetarian twist uses hearty vegetables and plant-based proteins to deliver the same comforting depth of flavor without any animal products. Whether you’re a longtime fan of adobo or new to this vibrant cuisine, this stir fry offers a delightful way to enjoy the essence of adobo in a light, colorful, and healthy meal.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With simple pantry staples and fresh veggies, it’s a versatile dish that can easily be customized to your taste.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete meal. Dive in and discover why this adobo stir fry is about to become your new favorite vegetarian go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian adobo stir fry is a game-changer for plant-based cooking enthusiasts and anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet. Here’s why:

• Bold, authentic flavor: The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves perfectly captures the classic adobo taste.
• Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy lifestyles.
• Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with fresh vegetables and protein-rich tofu or mushrooms, it offers a balanced meal.
• Highly customizable: Swap veggies based on what you have on hand or adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed (or 2 cups sliced mushrooms for a soy-free option)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (such as canola or avocado oil)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
• Optional: 1 small chili pepper, sliced, for heat
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Equipment

• Large non-stick or cast iron skillet or wok
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Plate lined with paper towels (for pressing tofu)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Press your tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water. Then cut into 1-inch cubes. If using mushrooms, slice them evenly.
2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the tofu or mushrooms: Add tofu cubes or mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
5. Add vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell pepper and green beans. Stir fry for about 4 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
6. Mix the adobo sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and water or broth.
7. Combine and simmer: Return tofu or mushrooms to the pan. Pour the adobo sauce over everything. Add bay leaves and optional chili slices. Stir to combine.
8. Simmer gently: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the veggies and tofu well.
9. Final taste check: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or vinegar if desired.
10. Serve hot: Serve your adobo stir fry over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs if you like.

Tips & Variations

“For a soy-free version, swap tofu with mushrooms or tempeh and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or baby corn to diversify the flavors and textures.”

• Pressing tofu: This step is crucial to getting crispy edges and allowing the tofu to absorb more sauce.
• Vinegar choice: Apple cider vinegar gives a milder tang, while white vinegar is more sharp and traditional.
• Add protein variety: Chickpeas or seitan can be used to bulk up the dish further.
• Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or chili flakes for extra heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end for a richer sauce.
• Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This adobo stir fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal. The classic choice is steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.

You can also serve it with garlic fried rice for an extra punch of flavor.

For a lighter alternative, try it over quinoa or cauliflower rice. Noodles such as soba or rice noodles also work well, turning the dish into a hearty stir-fried noodle bowl.

Add a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the savory richness.

To complement the meal, check out other vegetable-packed recipes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or treat yourself afterward with a sweet delight like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

This Adobo Stir Fry Vegetarian Recipe is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, bringing the iconic Filipino flavors into a wholesome, plant-based dish. Its bold sauce, coupled with fresh veggies and protein-rich tofu, ensures each bite is a satisfying burst of taste and texture.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or meat-lover looking to add more vegetables to your plate, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. Quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your culinary repertoire.

Be sure to experiment with different vegetables and proteins to make it your own!

For more delicious, easy-to-make vegetarian recipes, explore our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to round out your meal.

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