Vegan Stir Fry: This ONE Ingredient Will Make You a Stir Fry Master [Secret Recipe REVEALED!]

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The Ultimate Vegan Stir Fry: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Are you craving a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This vegan stir fry recipe is a culinary masterpiece, packed with fresh vegetables, plant-based protein, and a mouthwatering sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this vegan stir fry is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. We'll walk you through every step, from prepping the ingredients to creating the perfect stir-fry. Get ready to ditch the takeout and embrace the deliciousness of homemade vegan stir fry!

Ingredients You'll Need:

Here's everything you'll need to create this delectable vegan stir fry:

For the Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work well)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup snow peas or snap peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

For the Protein (Choose one or combine!):

• 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed (see tips for pressing)
  • OR
• 1 cup pre-cooked vegan chicken pieces (store-bought or homemade)
  • OR
• 1 cup edamame, shelled
• 1/2 cup peanuts or cashews, for added crunch

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other sweetener like agave)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste, for added heat)
• 1/4 cup water

Optional, for serving:

• Cooked rice or noodles (brown rice, white rice, or rice noodles are all great)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparation Time:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu (if using):

• If you're using tofu, it's crucial to press it to remove excess water. This will help it absorb the flavors of the sauce and achieve a slightly crispy texture. Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place it on a plate and weigh it down with something heavy, like a cookbook or a cast-iron skillet. Let it press for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to an hour.
• Once pressed, cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Wash and chop all your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers, onion, carrots, and mushrooms. Break the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Have everything ready to go – this is key to a successful stir fry!

3. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), and water. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.

4. Cook the Protein:

• If using tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
• If using pre-cooked vegan chicken: Add the vegan chicken pieces to the pan for the last 2-3 minutes of stir-frying the vegetables.
• If using edamame: Add the edamame to the pan for the last 3-4 minutes of stir-frying the vegetables.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

• Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet or wok. Add the onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften.
• Add the broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. If using snow peas/snap peas, add them in the last minute.
• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

6. Combine and Sauce:

• If you cooked tofu, add it back to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Give the sauce a good whisk to ensure the cornstarch is still mixed. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and tofu (or other protein).
• Stir constantly as the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The sauce will coat the vegetables and protein beautifully.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your delicious vegan stir fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and peanuts/cashews if desired.

Helpful Tips, Recipe Variations, and Serving Suggestions:

• Pressing Tofu: Don't skip the step of pressing the tofu! It's essential for removing excess water and achieving the best texture. If you don't have a tofu press, you can use heavy books and paper towels as mentioned in the instructions.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the level of heat in your vegan stir fry. If you're sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch.
• Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Other great options include snap peas, water chestnuts, baby corn, bok choy, and bean sprouts.
• Protein Options: Experiment with different protein sources! Tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas can be great alternatives to tofu or vegan chicken. If you don't have a store-bought protein, you can use lentils or beans for a healthier alternative.
• Sauce Customization: The sauce is a starting point; feel free to adjust it to your taste. Add a touch of hoisin sauce for sweetness, or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your vegan stir fry with a side of steamed edamame, a refreshing cucumber salad, or a simple seaweed salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftovers: Leftover vegan stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. The texture of the vegetables may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will still be amazing.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly delicious vegan stir fry recipe that's perfect for any occasion! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal, customized to your own preferences. From the crisp vegetables to the savory sauce, every bite is a celebration of plant-based goodness. We hope you enjoy making and devouring this vegan stir fry as much as we do.

Now it's your turn! Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and create your own culinary masterpiece. Don't forget to share your delicious creation with us and let us know what you think. Happy cooking, and enjoy your amazing vegan stir fry!