I may or may not have confessed this before, but side dishes are hard for me. If I’m making a big meal, I don’t want to spend a lot of time/energy/resources/money/dirty dishes on a fancy side dish. If I’m making something super simple, there’s usually a good reason behind it (I’m sick/tired/not in a cooking mood/wishing everyone would find a way to feed themselves). So if we’re going to have something besides a simple green salad, fruit, baked potatoes, steamed veggies, or frozen fries, it’s gotta be a) easy and b) requiring very little of my time and energy. And clean dishes. In case you haven’t noticed, I reaaaaally don’t like to do dishes.
So yes, this side dish does involve a frying pan, but it also involves a lot of shortcuts and make-ahead options. You’ll need a 12-ounce bag of fresh or frozen veggies (I used a fresh stir-fry mix from the produce department, but I really, really, really like just straight up broccoli), fresh ginger and garlic, about half of a small red onion, honey, beef broth, Sriracha (optional, but not in my world), sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and some kosher salt.
Measure out 1/4 cup of beef broth (I just used 1/4 cup water with 1/4 teaspoon beef base dissolved in it) and whisk in 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, and 3 tablespoons soy sauce. Set it aside. You can also whip this up ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to stir-fry your veggies.
Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it’s hot and shimmery, add the onion, ginger, and garlic in that order. Stir fry it for about 20 seconds and then add your veggies. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are starting to brighten and darken in color but aren’t over cooked.
Whisk together your sauce ingredients and then drizzle the sauce over the vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with another teaspoon of sesame oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Easy Veggie Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil divided
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
- 1/2 small red onion sliced
- 1 12- ounce package fresh or frozen vegetables like a stir-fry mix or broccoli
- Kosher salt to taste
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Sriracha, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and honey. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When very hot, add the onions, ginger, and garlic in that order and stir fry for about 20 seconds. Add the veggies and stir fry for 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are dark and bright but still crisp. Add the sauce and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are tender-crisp. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with another 1/2-1 teaspoon sesame oil and sprinkle with kosher salt to taste and sesame seeds. Serves 4-6.
Questions & Reviews
Yum!!
Looks delicious! I might even add a little bit of chicken to it and call it a meal. 🙂
Hi–love the suggestions here! My handsome son and his beautiful girlfriend have decided to get married in early April. WooHoo and Yikes, all at the same time. She has decided to do finger foods since their venue (City/County Bldg in SLC) doesn’t allow an open flame. She has a few good ideas (and a restricted budget, since she is paying for his herself), and I was wondering if you have some “classy” (her term) ideas for such an event. Thanks!
Stephanie Young
This is a great idea! We love stir fry as it’s a quick and nutritious meal! Thanks!
oooh my sister made a delicious stir-fry a while back for dinner and I begged her for the recipe but she hasn’t been able to get it for me. This looks perfect. 🙂
I too hate making side dishes… it’s usually mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, fries, or a canned (gasp in horror) veggie. (notice the potatoe theme… it’s hard to escape in Idaho).
I get in a side dish rut too! But I think you just solved my side dish dilemma for tonight’s dinner! I am making yall’s Orange Teriyaki Salmon tonight for dinner and I think these veggies would be the perfect accompaniment!
Just made this (with a few slight changes) and served it with the Orange Teriyaki Salmon and some wild rice. It was absolutely wonderful and something I will defiantly make again!
I love stirfry! This would be great with fried rice! Thanks!
My favorite recipe from Cooks is their recipe for Stir-Fried Shrimp with Snow Peas and Red Bell Peppers in Hot and sour Sauce.
Yum! I am SO making this tonight for me, and for a sick person I’m bringing dinner to. Thank you Kate! You never disappoint =).
Looks wonderful. We love stir fry. Question about the Sriracha sauce … I’ve picked it up a few times in the store but never bought it. How much heat does it add? Love to enhance the taste of things but a little heat goes a long way with me. Thanks.
It can be very, very spicy if you’re not careful. That said, veggies aren’t like meat or pasta that absorb all the flavors, so I was surprised at how UN-SPICY 1/2 teaspoon was (because that’s usually enough to set my mouth on fire). I would start with a tiny amount (1/8-1/4 teaspoon) and then add a little more according to your own tastes. 🙂