Craving a vibrant, healthy, and delicious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This broccoli and bell pepper stir-fry is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and offers a fantastic boost of vitamins and nutrients. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe is a staple in my healthy meal rotation and will quickly become one of your favorite easy recipes. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother and quicker. Aim for consistent sizes so everything cooks evenly.
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Stir-fry the Aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Add the Broccoli and Peppers: Add the broccoli and bell peppers to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Don't overcrowd the pan; if necessary, work in batches to ensure even cooking.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds (if using). A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick for those who prefer a spicier dish. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with brown rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Broccoli and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked broccoli and peppers become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the stir-fry.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables will provide the best flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Stir-Fry: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Garlic Lovers Version: Add an extra clove or two of minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Ginger Zing: Add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size assuming the recipe is divided into 4 servings. Nutritional content will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 5-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 4-6 grams
This broccoli and bell pepper stir-fry is a delicious and healthy addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. Enjoy!