Stir-fried Mixed Vegetables

Stir-fried Mixed Vegetables Recipe from Malaysia with Cauliflower, Peas, and More

Region / culture: Malaysia | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Stir-fried mixed vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, this dish is not only visually appealing but also full of flavor.

History

Stir-fried mixed vegetables is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, where stir-frying is a common cooking technique. The dish is believed to have originated in China, where stir-frying has been a traditional cooking method for centuries. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include a variety of vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower or broccoli, cut into florets
50 g snow peas or french beans, halved
1 red pepper, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 can young corn, halved
1 can mushroom
1 celery stalk, diced (optional)
2 carrots, sliced thinly
0.5 cup chicken stock or oyster sauce
garlic, minced
1 cm ginger, sliced
oil

How to prepare

Heat oil in a wok and fry the garlic and ginger until they become fragrant and golden.
Add the cauliflower, carrots, and celery.
Stir-fry until they become tender.
Add the snow peas, young corn, mushrooms, red and green peppers.
Pour in the chicken stock and continue stir-frying for 5 – 10 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add tofu or chicken for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts.
Customize the sauce by adding soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili paste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying to quickly cook the vegetables while maintaining their crisp texture.

- Add the vegetables in order of cooking time, starting with the ones that take longer to cook.

- Don't overcook the vegetables to retain their vibrant colors and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stir-fried mixed vegetables over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce or tamari in place of oyster sauce.

- Substitute any vegetables you have on hand for the ones listed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stir-fried mixed vegetables in a colorful bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or noodles and a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains oyster sauce, which may contain shellfish allergens.

Summary

Stir-fried mixed vegetables is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stir-fried mixed vegetables is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was during a trip to China with my husband many years ago. We were exploring the bustling streets of Beijing and stumbled upon a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger wafted through the air, drawing us in like moths to a flame.

As we sat down at a rickety table, the friendly owner approached us with a smile and handed us the menu. One dish in particular caught my eye - Stir-fried Mixed Vegetables. The description alone made my mouth water: a colorful medley of crisp veggies stir-fried to perfection in a savory sauce.

I ordered the dish without hesitation, eager to taste the flavors of China. When it arrived at our table, I was not disappointed. The vibrant colors of the vegetables dazzled my eyes, and the fragrant aroma made my stomach rumble. I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The combination of textures and flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

After our meal, I approached the owner and asked if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my delight, he agreed. He took me back to the kitchen and showed me how to prepare the dish step by step. I watched intently as he chopped the vegetables with lightning speed and tossed them in the wok with a flick of his wrist.

I took notes furiously, determined to recreate this culinary masterpiece in my own kitchen. Back home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. I chopped, diced, and sliced with the same precision as the Chinese chef had shown me. The scent of garlic and ginger filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that tiny restaurant in Beijing.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it with care and called my husband to the table. He took one bite and his eyes lit up with delight. "This tastes just like the one we had in China!" he exclaimed. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully captured the essence of that memorable meal.

From that day on, Stir-fried Mixed Vegetables became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I shared it gladly, passing on the flavors of China to all who tasted it.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my taste and the preferences of my loved ones. Sometimes I add a dash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. But the core of the dish remains the same - a colorful array of fresh vegetables tossed in a fragrant sauce that sings with flavor.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped my culinary skills. From that chance encounter in Beijing to the countless hours spent experimenting in my own kitchen, each moment has enriched my love for cooking and sharing delicious meals with others.

And so, I continue to cook and create, drawing inspiration from the flavors of the world and the memories that linger in each dish I prepare. Stir-fried Mixed Vegetables will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I learned to blend tradition with innovation, and to savor the simple joys of a well-cooked meal.