Easy Veggie Recipe #2: Vegetable Stir Fry

Sooo... I've been reminded that I've really slacked on this whole veggie recipe thing... but I've been moving! And sick! And it's the holidays! Yada, yada, yada...

Here's my way of easing back in.. a super easy, super versatile "recipe" that doesn't really involve a recipe, just a formula!

Stir fry is the easiest way to use up all your vegetables, or leftover rice, leftover pasta, whatever.. really.

My favorite combination is 1-2 crowns broccoli (sliced 1/2 inch thick from top to bottom of trimmed stem), 1 yellow bell pepper (thin slices), 1/2 onion (half moon style), 2 stalks celery (sliced on the bias), 2 medium carrots (sliced on the bias), and sometimes we add mushrooms or sliced water chestnuts. Also, we like to serve over rice, rice pasta, udon, or yakisoba, and top it with bean sprouts, or sesame seeds. If we're in the mood, we fry up some tofu or some chicken (or use leftover chicken).

The basic formula is to heat some sesame oil*/olive oil mixture in a wok until it's rippling, and cook whatever is going to take longest first. If you're doing a protein, cook it first, then set it aside while you finish the rest. I always start with the onion for flavor, let it wilt a bit, then add the harder stuff: broccoli/carrot/celery and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add softer stuff: peppers, mushrooms, and cook until crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes ish. Add the protein back in, add a 1/4 cup chicken stock, and cover for about 2 minutes to let everything warm through and steam finish. Season with soy sauce, stir fry sauce, or hot sauce. Serve by itself, or over rice or noodles. Top with bean sprouts and/or sesame seeds.

Like I said, it's not really a recipe. Just use whatever you have, and make it to your liking. Some good additions: red pepper flake, sriracha, brussel sprouts, tempeh, tofu, hoisin sauce, etc... Just whatever you have on hand.

*Sesame oil is worth it. It's expensive, but the flavor is worth it. You can use 1 tablespoon sesame oil mixed with one tablespoon of another oil, to make it last longer.