Vegetable Medley Stir-fry

Vegetable Medley Stir-fry Recipe from China with Orange Juice and Soy Sauce

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Vegetable Medley Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is packed with a variety of colorful vegetables. This stir-fry is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has been used for centuries to quickly cook vegetables and meat over high heat. The combination of vegetables in this stir-fry recipe creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

0.5 cup orange juice, chicken stock or low-sodium chicken stock
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tsp honey
2 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
0.25 tsp hot red pepper sauce
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp dark sesame oil
4 small carrots, peeled and thinly sliced diagonally (2 cup)
1 large sweet red pepper (8 oz (227 g)), cut into strips 0.25 inch wide
1 medium-size yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced (2 cup)
8 oz (227 g) chinese cabbage (about 5 large leaves), halved lengthwise and sliced 0.5 inch thick
4 oz (113 g) snow peas or sugar snap peas — trimmed
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and cornstarch until well blended.
Add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper sauce, and stir to combine.
Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large wok or 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.
Add the carrots, sweet red pepper, and onion, and stir-fry for 8 minutes.
Stir in the orange juice mixture and cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce boils and thickens.
If desired, stir in the sesame seeds.
Serve with grilled poultry or fish and brown rice.
Enjoy.

Variations

You can customize this stir-fry by adding your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas. You can also add tofu or shrimp for a protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your stir-fry cooks evenly, make sure to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes. Additionally, be sure to cook the vegetables in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vegetable Medley Stir-fry with grilled poultry or fish and brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying involves cooking food quickly over high heat while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking. This technique helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the vegetables in this recipe with any of your favorite vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce for the stir-fry ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also chop the vegetables in advance to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Vegetable Medley Stir-fry in a large serving bowl and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stir-fry with a glass of white wine or green tea for a refreshing and flavorful combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vegetable Medley Stir-fry contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vegetable Medley Stir-fry contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vegetable Medley Stir-fry contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Vegetable Medley Stir-fry contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This stir-fry is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the variety of vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. Please check the label if you have a gluten allergy.

Summary

Vegetable Medley Stir-fry is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for a quick and easy meal.

Summary

Vegetable Medley Stir-fry is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This stir-fry is a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one tasty meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Vegetable Medley Stir-fry. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman just starting to explore the world of cooking. I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and I loved trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.

One day, I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a recipe caught my eye - a colorful and vibrant dish called Vegetable Medley Stir-fry. The ingredients were simple, yet the combination of flavors sounded absolutely delicious. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the vegetables listed in the recipe - bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. I chopped them up into bite-sized pieces and prepared the sauce according to the instructions. As I cooked the vegetables in a hot wok, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of garlic and ginger. I tossed the vegetables in the sauce, and when I took my first bite, I knew I had discovered something truly special.

Over the years, I have made this Vegetable Medley Stir-fry countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would throw in a handful of cashews for extra crunch, or a splash of soy sauce for a hint of umami. I would often serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, or noodles for a heartier meal. No matter how I prepared it, the dish always brought smiles to the faces of my family and friends.

As I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, I learned that cooking was not just about following a recipe - it was about infusing each dish with love and creativity. I would often spend hours experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, always striving to create something truly special.

One day, while visiting a friend in a small village in the countryside, I had the opportunity to learn a new twist on my beloved Vegetable Medley Stir-fry. My friend's grandmother, a wise and seasoned cook, taught me her own version of the recipe. She added a handful of fresh herbs from her garden, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. The dish was simple yet bursting with flavor, and I knew I had to incorporate these new elements into my own version of the recipe.

As the years went by, I continued to collect recipes and cooking tips from various places and people. I learned how to make traditional dishes from different cultures, and I discovered new and exciting ingredients to incorporate into my cooking. But no matter how many recipes I tried, the Vegetable Medley Stir-fry remained a staple in my kitchen.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great pleasure in passing down this beloved recipe to the next generation. I teach my grandchildren how to chop vegetables with care, how to stir-fry them to perfection, and how to season them with just the right amount of spices. I watch with pride as they take their first bite, their faces lighting up with joy and satisfaction.

For me, cooking has always been a way to express my creativity and share my love with others. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that the joy of discovering new recipes and flavors will never fade. The Vegetable Medley Stir-fry will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the simple pleasures of life and the power of a delicious meal shared with loved ones.