Ingredients:
For the stir-fry:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola, vegetable, peanut)
- 1 pound protein of choice: chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, thinly sliced beef, etc. (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper
- 2-3 cups mixed vegetables: broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, etc.
Aromatics:
- 1-inch piece of ginger (minced), 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prep work:
- Cut your protein into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Chop your vegetables into roughly similar sizes.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Cook the protein:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil.
- Cook the protein until browned and cooked through. Remove the protein from the pan and set aside.
Cook the vegetables:
- Add a little more oil to the pan if needed.
- Stir-fry the vegetables, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook (like carrots, broccoli) and adding quicker-cooking ones later. You want them crisp-tender, not mushy.
Add the aromatics (ginger and garlic) and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Combine and thicken the sauce:
- Return the protein to the pan.
- Give the sauce a stir and pour it over the protein and vegetables. Bring to a simmer. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce as it cooks. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats everything.
Serve and enjoy:
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips:
- Be flexible: Use whatever vegetables and protein you have on hand. Even frozen veggie mixes work!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the vegetables in batches if necessary for better browning.
- Adjust the sauce: Taste and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to your liking.
