Contents
This Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a super quick for 20 minute dinner that’s light, fresh and much veggies.
Why This Recipe Works
Expert Tips and Options
- Substitute the peppers. Use red, yellow or orange bell pepper interchangeably. Green bell pepper can be used, but the other varieties to be sweeter and better suited for this dish.
- Add Baked Tofu. This stir fry is pretty light, so adding in some baked tofu will add some protein. Just add it in towards the end just after adding in the sauce.
- Serve over rice noodles. I do think you’d need to double the sauce (note – I haven’t tried this myself and will update the post after I do!) so that the noodles have plenty of sauce to soak into them, but this meal would be fantastic over rice or lo mein noodles.
Variations
This is vegan and completely flexible. If you have something you think would be good, let’s try! If you aren’t vegetarian, by all means, put in some meat. The choices are endless. Here are a few of our top ideas for you to try:
- Shrimp – Devein and peel jumbo or large shrimp. Add it to the stir fry when it’s almost done because they will only take a couple of minutes to cook.
- Chicken – Cut up chicken into 1-inch pieces and cook in a little bit of olive oil before you start anything else. Once it’s done, take it out and set it aside. Add it back in the last five minutes of cooking. So good!
- Steak – Buy a good quality steak and cut it into thin pieces. It adds a lot of flavors, and it will be fall-apart tender.
- Carrots – Slice up carrots and toss them into the stir fry. They add a subtle sweetness and a little bit more crunch.
- Mushrooms – Add some fresh sliced mushrooms to the stir fry to add some earthy flavors.
Can You Substitute Honey For Maple Syrup?
To return saltiness from soy dressing you need sweetness. If you don’t like maple syrup or omit it, use honey instead. It’s the same flavor and will taste garlicky in this dressing.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
No, this isn’t a recipe of spicy stir fry. So, if you are looking for lots of flavors and not heat, then you are in luck! However, if you want to make it a little spicy, then add some red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne pepper. I don’t recommend adding a ton of red pepper flakes because once it gets too hot, there isn’t much you can do. Just a sprinkle or two is good.
Do I Need A Wok?
No, you don’t need a wok to make this stir fry. A non-stick skillet will work well. I do like using a wok because the heat exhausts from more even as it cooks. Moreover, you don’t need to use as much oil, and it will cook a little faster because woks tend to be thinner than a skillet. It’s definitely no sense, but it is helpful.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but I suggest defrosting them first. The texture of frozen broccoli is not the same. The flavors will be similar. To defrost the broccoli, put it in a glass microwave-safe bowl and cook in boiling it for a couple of minutes. You aren’t trying to cook it, just defrost. Once it’s defrosted, for the most part, you can follow the directions and prepare as instructed.
What Goes With Broccoli Stir Fry?
There are several items complement this stir fry. It’s actually so good you could eat it on its own, but I often like to serve it with something else. Try some of these ideas out:
Quinoa – Add some extra nutrition to the meal by serving it over a bed of quinoa.
Cauliflower Rice – Use simple cauliflower rice or try my cauliflower fried rice recipe. They both go perfectly with this recipe.
Rice – Use your favorite rice and add the stir fry on top. Wheat, jasmine, white rice, they are all good!
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Stir-fried meal is better when eaten fresh, it can be refrigerated. First, let the stir fry cool down after it’s been cooked. Then, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, absolutely, you can freeze broccoli stir fry. After it cools down, add it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last in the freezer for around three months. To serve it, thaw the stir fry in the refrigerator or microwave. Then toss it in a skillet to warm it up and reheat it or microwave.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- ½ Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1 Orange Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 12 oz Broccoli Florets Fresh (I used bagged, fresh from produce section)
- 1 cup Sugar Snap Peas
- 1 Green Onion chopped
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Juice of half a lime
Sauce:
- 5 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce low Sodium
- ½ cup Vegetable Broth
- 2 tsp Maple Syrup
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Corn Starch
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, vegetable broth, maple syrup and corn starch. Mix well and set aside.
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Add vegetable oil to a pan over medium high heat. Add red onion, bell pepper and broccoli florets. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes.
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Reduce to medium heat. Add sugar snap peas and the sauce. Stir constantly and cook for another three minutes or so until sauce thickens slightly and all the veggies are coated in the sauce.
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Remove from heat. Stir in green onion, juice of half a lime and sesame seeds.
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Serve immediately over rice.
Notes
Jasmine or Basmati rice go well with this recipe, but white or brown rice will work as well.
Feel free to swap out the pepper if you want.
Add in some baked tofu or serve over some rice noodles to make it extra filling.
Toss in any of your favorite extra ingredients like shrimp, chicken, steak, carrots, or mushrooms too.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Another option is to freeze leftovers by adding them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freezing for up to three months. To serve, thaw the stir fry in the refrigerator or microwave. Then toss it in a skillet to warm it up and reheat it or microwave.
Fresh broccoli is preferred, but if you only have frozen, defrost it before adding it the dish.
Nutrition