Of course! A Sautéed Mushroom & Broccoli Stir-fry is a quick, healthy, and deeply flavorful side dish or vegetarian main. The key is getting a beautiful sear on the mushrooms and cooking the broccoli to tender-crisp perfection.
Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe with a savory garlic-soy sauce.
Sautéed Mushroom & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe is versatile, packing a ton of umami flavor. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.
Yields: 2-3 servings as a main, 4 as a side
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
· 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (stem peeled and sliced)
· 8 oz (225g) cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
· 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado, canola, or vegetable)
· 1 tbsp sesame oil
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
· 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce:
· 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
· 2 tbsp water or vegetable broth
· 1 tbsp rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
· 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (or agave for vegan)
· 1 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
· 1 tsp sesame oil
For Garnish:
· 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
· 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prep the Sauce and Vegetables:
· In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
· Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets. If you like, peel the tough outer layer of the stem and slice it into thin coins.
- Blanch the Broccoli (Optional but Recommended):
· Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 60-90 seconds, until bright green and tender-crisp.
· Immediately drain and transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures perfectly cooked broccoli without any bitterness. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
· Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil.
· Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Let them cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to get a good sear and brown color. Then, stir and continue cooking until they have released their water and are golden brown all over (about 5-7 minutes total).
- Build the Aromatics:
· Push the mushrooms to one side of the pan. Add the sesame oil to the empty space.
· Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the oil. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until very fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Sauce:
· Add the blanched (or raw) broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and slightly charred in spots.
· Give the sauce another quick stir (the cornstarch settles) and pour it over the vegetables. Stir constantly. The sauce will bubble and thicken within 1-2 minutes, creating a glossy glaze.
- Serve:
· Remove from heat immediately. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
· Serve hot as a side dish, or over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to make it a main course.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking the mushrooms in a single layer is crucial. If you add too many at once, they’ll steam instead of sear and become rubbery.
· Blanching is a Pro-Move: While you can add raw broccoli directly to the pan (cook for a few minutes longer), blanching first guarantees a perfect texture and vibrant color.
· High Heat is Key: A hot wok/skillet is essential for that “wok hei” (breath of the wok) flavor and to quickly cook the vegetables without making them soggy.
· Customize Your Protein:
· Tofu: Add cubed, pan-fried tofu in step 5.
· Chicken/Beef: Thinly slice 1 chicken breast or steak, stir-fry it first, then set aside and add it back in with the broccoli.
· Flavor Variations:
· Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce) to the sauce for more depth.
· Stir in a handful of shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers with the broccoli.
This is a healthy, fast, and incredibly satisfying dish that proves simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Enjoy