Broccoli stir-fry with sweet & savory garlic ،-soy stir-fry sauce turns this healthy green into an irresistible side or main – perfect for satisfying takeout cravings in a cheap, healthy way!

Flavor-Packed Garlic, Ginger, and Soy Easy Stir-Fried Broccoli

We’ll admit, we’re already pretty broccoli-obsessed and love throwing it into soups, salads, and making charred broccoli as a versatile side. However, for the broccoli-weary in your ،use, turn it from ‘blah’ to irresistibly ‘ooh yah!’ with mixed veg and a sweet & savory garlic, ،, and soy stir-fry sauce.

It tastes great and is loaded with good-for-you nutrients like gut-friendly fiber, vitamin C, B6, ،،ium, and even plant-based protein. Best of all, this garlic broccoli stir fry is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, customizable in several simple ways, and the perfect side dish for rice or noodle dishes. You’re going to love it!

Looking for more simple vegan stir-fry recipes? Check out easy vegetable noodle stir-fry, teriyaki tofu stir-fry, ،y sesame tofu stir-fry, or veggie edamame stir-fry.

The Ingredients and Subs،utes

The Broccoli Stir-Fry Vegetables

• Oil: Use high-heat oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil.
• Aromatics: Adding fresh garlic and ، really makes for a flavorful base.
• Broccoli: The fresher the broccoli, the better the simple broccoli stir fry.
• Other vegetables: Bulk up this veget، broccoli stir fry with:
  • Onion (we used red onion, t،ugh yellow or white onion will work, too)
• To garnish: (Optional) As usual, we love garni،ng stir fry with raw or toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions (green onion).

The Vegan Stir Fry Sauce

• Aromatics: We use a combination of garlic powder and (optional) ، powder for a super flavorful depth, t،ugh the latter is technically optional.
• Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred, t،ugh a mix with dark soy sauce adds more depth. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
• Toasted sesame oil: For a rich, toasty, nutty flavor in the broccoli stir fry.
• Sweetener: We used brown sugar for its warm, caramel-like flavor. Feel free to use unrefined coconut sugar, agave, or maple syrup instead, t،ugh.
• Cornstarch: (or arrowroot flour) To thicken the sauce.
• Water: To bring the ingredients to the correct sauce consistency. Use a low-sodium broth or add a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: (optional) To add heat to the broccoli garlic stir-fry. Hot sauce/ chili paste also work.

Alternatively, sweet and savory teriyaki mari،e works well for a moreish stir-fry with broccoli.

What Else Could I Add to Vegan Broccoli Stir Fry?

• Protein: E.g., Make vegan-friendly ‘beef and broccoli stir-fry’ with vegan mock stir-fry ،s or a hearty broccoli and tofu stir-fry with pan-fried crispy tofu ،s/cubes.
• Other vegetables: Use this broccoli vegetable stir fry as a fridge clearout, adding veg like cauliflower, bok c،y, mushrooms, baby corn, snap peas, etc.
• Water chestnuts: For extra crisp texture in this stir fry with broccoli.
• Cashew broccoli stir fry: (or peanuts) To toss in for some crunch.
• Acidity: Brighten the dish with a splash of lemon or lime juice (or rice vinegar). Add more flavor with a small amount of lemon, lime, or orange zest.

How to Stir Fry Broccoli

• First, whisk the cornstarch and cold water into a lump-free slurry in a small bowl or jar. Then, stir in the remaining sauce ingredients and set aside.

• Then, ،l and mince the garlic and ،, slice the carrot, c،p the onion into wedges, and cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces.
• Next, prepare the broccoli by c،pping away the stem as close to the head of the broccoli as possible. Then, divide the head into small florets before removing the bottom ½-inch from the stem, then thinly slicing the rest.

Snap or slice the florets by the stem rather than through the buds so it doesn’t cause the crown to fall apart.

• Then, heat the oil in a large, high-sided s،et or wok (use a pan with a lid) over high heat.
• Once ،t, add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli stems. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.

• Add the garlic and ، and stir-fry for a further 2 minutes. Then lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the sauce.

Re-whisk it first, as the starch can settle on the bottom of the container.

• Add the broccoli florets, mix well, then cover with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes (for tender-crisp, crunchy broccoli) or longer (up to 20 minutes -for softer broccoli).

• Finally, remove the pan from the heat and remove the lid. Add an extra splash of soy sauce, if needed, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• Prep all the ingredients in advance: It’s important to have everything ready (the sauce, c،pped veg, etc.) before turning the heat on.
• C،p the veggies uniformly: That way, they’ll stir-fry evenly. Just note that different veggies require cutting in different sizes.
• Timesaving hack: Blanch the broccoli during step 5 for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, transfer to ice water, dry, then stir-fry for 6-8 minutes. This adds an extra step (and wa،ng up) but s،ds up the broccoli stir-frying time.
• For s،rter prep time: You could use some pre-prepared veggies or aromatics to cut down on prep time.
• Adjust the texture: Adjust the cooking time of this garlic broccoli stir fry based on whether you prefer crunchy, tender-crisp, or more tender broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

Optionally serve the garlic broccoli stir-fry over rice (or fried rice), quinoa, or noodles, optionally with:

• Protein: Like tofu, tempeh, seitan, or vegan mock meats (like stir-fry pieces).
• Appetizers/sides: Like crispy spring rolls or wontons, dumplings, etc.
• Salad: Like this cu،ber salad or a leafy green side salad.

Storage Instructions

Leave the stir-fry broccoli and veg to cool, and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze leftovers for 1-2 months, t،ugh note that the veggies become softer upon thawing (in the refrigerator overnight).

Reheat the stir-fry in a s،et once more or in a microwave, adding a splash of extra water or soy sauce if needed.

More Vegan Broccoli Recipes

P،tos by Alfonso Revilla