Best Stir Fry XO Sauce Recipes for Vegetables to Try Today

Stir-frying vegetables with XO sauce is an incredible way to elevate your everyday greens into a vibrant, savory feast. Originating from Hong Kong, XO sauce is a luxurious condiment made from dried seafood, chili, garlic, and a medley of spices.

Its rich umami flavor and slight heat perfectly complement the crisp freshness of stir-fried vegetables, creating a dish that’s both deeply flavorful and wonderfully satisfying.

If you’re looking to add some excitement to your vegetable dishes, XO sauce stir-fries offer a quick, healthy, and delicious solution. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, these recipes are versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress.

Today, we’ll explore the best stir fry XO sauce recipes for vegetables, featuring different combinations and tips to get the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and savoriness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

XO sauce stir-fry perfectly marries bold flavors with fresh vegetables, making it an unbeatable dish for weeknights or special occasions. The sauce’s complex umami notes bring out the best in every vegetable, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

These recipes are quick to prepare, requiring minimal prep time and cooking in under 15 minutes, ideal for busy lifestyles. Plus, they’re highly adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand, whether it’s crunchy bell peppers, tender snap peas, or earthy mushrooms.

For those seeking healthy yet indulgent meals, XO sauce stir-fry delivers on nutrition without sacrificing taste. It’s a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your diet while enjoying a rich, restaurant-quality dish at home.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons XO sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra saltiness)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Wok or large non-stick skillet
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Bowl for mixing
• Stove or induction cooktop

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice all vegetables as specified. Having everything ready ensures a quick, smooth stir-fry process.
2. Heat the wok: Warm your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat evenly.
3. Sauté aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add the vegetables: Add the carrot, bell pepper, snap peas, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften slightly but remain crisp.
5. Incorporate XO sauce: Add the 2 tablespoons of XO sauce directly to the pan. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly. If needed, splash a teaspoon of soy sauce for extra seasoning.
6. Finish with sesame oil and green onions: Drizzle the sesame oil and toss in the sliced green onions. Stir for another minute to combine all flavors.
7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite grain.

Tips & Variations

Always use high heat when stir-frying to ensure vegetables stay crisp and vibrant. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.

For a protein boost, add tofu cubes, tempeh, or cooked shrimp to the stir-fry. You can also swap vegetables according to season or preference—broccoli, baby corn, or bok choy work beautifully.

If you want to make your own XO sauce, combine dried scallops, dried shrimp, garlic, chili flakes, and cured ham sautéed in oil until fragrant for a homemade umami punch. For a milder version, reduce the chili or add a teaspoon of honey to balance the heat.

Check out our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration on incorporating XO sauce in plant-based cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This XO sauce vegetable stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Add a side of Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to round out your plate with more vibrant greens. Alternatively, enjoy it alongside Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a contrasting creamy texture.

Best Stir Fry XO Sauce Recipes for Vegetables

Classic Mixed Vegetable XO Stir-Fry

This recipe uses a colorful mix of bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms. The vibrant veggies get coated in the rich XO sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp XO sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add carrots, bell pepper, snap peas, and mushrooms; stir-fry 4 minutes.
4. Mix in XO sauce, stir thoroughly.
5. Add sesame oil and green onions; toss and cook for another minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

Spicy Eggplant and Green Beans XO Stir-Fry

This twist on the classic stir-fry highlights tender eggplant and crisp green beans, both absorbing the deep flavors of XO sauce with a kick of chili heat. Perfect for those who love a bit of spice!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp XO sauce
• 1 medium eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Heat oil in wok on high heat.
2. Add garlic and chili flakes, stir quickly to avoid burning.
3. Add eggplant and green beans, stir-fry 5-6 minutes until tender but still firm.
4. Stir in XO sauce and soy sauce, cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Finish with sesame oil and green onions, serve immediately.

Tofu and Broccoli XO Sauce Stir-Fry

For a protein-packed version, add crispy tofu and fresh broccoli florets. The XO sauce ties together the textures and flavors for a hearty, plant-based main dish that’s bursting with umami.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp XO sauce
• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Pan-fry tofu cubes in vegetable oil until golden on all sides; remove and set aside.
2. In the same wok, add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli florets, stir-fry 4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Return tofu to wok, add XO sauce and soy sauce; toss to coat evenly.
5. Drizzle sesame oil and add green onions; stir for 1 more minute.
6. Serve warm with steamed rice or noodles.

For more delicious plant-based dishes, don’t miss our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas. These recipes perfectly complement your vegetable stir-fries for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

XO sauce stir-fry recipes bring an exciting twist to everyday vegetable dishes, infusing them with bold, umami-rich flavors and a touch of spicy warmth. Whether you prefer the classic mixed vegetable medley, a spicy eggplant and green bean combo, or a protein-packed tofu and broccoli option, these recipes are quick to prepare and adaptable to your taste and pantry staples.

Embracing XO sauce in your cooking not only enhances flavor but also encourages more creative vegetable consumption, perfect for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste. Give these recipes a try and watch your vegetables transform into a deliciously memorable meal.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Stir Fry XO Sauce Recipe for Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and spicy stir fry featuring fresh vegetables tossed in a savory XO sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal packed with umami richness.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons XO sauce”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 cup sliced bell peppers (red and yellow)”, “1 cup snap peas”, “1 medium carrot, julienned”, “1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon grated ginger”, “2 green onions, sliced”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger, stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrot, and mushrooms; stir fry for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in XO sauce and soy sauce, cook for another 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle with sesame oil and toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}