Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry

Filled with meaty shiitakes, crunchy broccoli, and sweet bell peppers, this Chinese vegetable stir-fry always satisfies.

As much as I know it’s true, I’m always amazed by how quick and easy it is to make excellent Chinese food at home. This Chinese vegetable stir-fry is filled with meaty shiitake mushrooms, crunchy broccoli, and sweet bell peppers in a gingery, garlicky brown sauce. Go ahead and buy your veggies ready-cut if possible to minimize prep time. And, as with any stir-fry, be sure to have all of your ingredients ready before you start cooking because it comes together quickly. The dish easily serves four as a side but if you’re making it as a vegetarian main course, count on two or three servings.

What you’ll need to make a Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before you get started, chop the scallions, ginger, and garlic. You’ll need them at your fingertips once you start cooking.

Next, whisk the soy sauce, water, dry sherry, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, red pepper flakes and dry mustard in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, bring 1 inch of water to a rapid boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. (Blanching the broccoli ensures that it is perfectly cooked and bright green.)

Strain the broccoli in a colander and then run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside and allow to fully drain.

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the skillet over high heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms and red peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and the peppers are softened.

Add the garlic, light-colored scallions, and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Return the broccoli to the pan and cook until warmed through, about 1 minute.

Add the reserved sauce. Toss and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened and the vegetables are evenly coated, about 30 seconds.

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the dark green scallions. Serve with rice, if desired, and enjoy!