Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
Bell Peppers: Cut the bell peppers into long, thin strips. You can use a mix of red, yellow, or orange peppers for a colorful presentation.
Carrot: Peel and julienne or slice the carrots into thin sticks. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
Red Onion: Peel and slice the red onion into thin wedges or strips.
Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth, then slice them into thin pieces.
Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will give a bitter taste.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the red onion and carrot to the skillet first, as they take slightly longer to cook. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the bell pepper strips and zucchini slices to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain a bit of crunch.
Finally, add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
Step 4: Season the Vegetables
Once the vegetables are mostly cooked but still crisp, drizzle the oyster sauce and soy sauce over them.
Toss everything together so that the sauce coats the vegetables evenly. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to absorb into the vegetables.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the vegetables.
Serve immediately as a side dish or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
High Heat for Stir-Frying: The key to perfect stir-frying is to use high heat, which helps to cook the vegetables quickly while preserving their color, texture, and nutrients. Make sure the pan or wok is hot before you add the oil and vegetables.
Cut Evenly: Cut the vegetables into even sizes to ensure they cook evenly. Harder vegetables like carrots should be sliced thinner than softer vegetables like zucchini.
Adjust Spice Level: If you like it spicier, feel free to add more red chili pepper flakes or even a fresh chopped chili to the stir-fry.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add tofu, chicken, or beef to the stir-fry for extra protein.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Estimated)
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 550mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable stir-fry is a great way to enjoy a healthy, vibrant dish packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The umami flavor from the oyster sauce and soy sauce blends perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables, creating a savory, satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
This stir-fry is loaded with nutrient-rich vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, which provide essential vitamins like vitamin A, C, and K. Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants and help boost immune function. The addition of green onions and garlic provides extra antioxidants and antibacterial properties. This dish is low in calories, high in fiber, and can easily be made gluten-free or vegetarian by swapping the sauces.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fry can be served as a stand-alone dish or paired with a side of rice, quinoa, or noodles for a more filling meal. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein. For a complete meal, serve it with a light soup or a simple salad.
Variations to Try
Add Tofu or Meat: Add cubed tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef to make this stir-fry more filling.
Sweet and Sour: Add a tablespoon of sugar or honey and a splash of vinegar to make a sweet and sour stir-fry.
Curry Flavor: Add curry powder or coconut milk to the stir-fry for a different flavor profile.
Noodles: Toss the stir-fried vegetables with cooked noodles like rice noodles or udon for a delicious noodle stir-fry.
Conclusion
This vegetable stir-fry with oyster and soy sauce is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Packed with colorful vegetables and full of flavor, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or on its own, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, snap peas, or cabbage.
Can I make this stir-fry spicy?
Yes, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers to make it spicier.
Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a vegetarian alternative to make it vegetarian-friendly.
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