Easy Vegan Stir Fry Recipe
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This vegan stir fry is the perfect mix of crispy tofu and fresh veggies in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and way better than takeout!
If you want a healthy homemade meal that’s easier than fast food, this vegan vegetable stir fry is a must-have in your routine.
In just 30 minutes, you can satisfy your cravings for restaurant-style stir fry!
With crisp-tender veggies soaking up a rich, umami-sweet sauce, get extra rice ready because, trust me, one serving won’t be enough!
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Think this veggie stir fry needs something meaty? Skip the chicken and grill some seitan!
And if you’re craving noodles instead of rice, give our vegan ramen a try!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Stir Fry Recipe
- With its satisfying textures and bold savory-sweet sauce, this tofu stir fry makes it easy to enjoy healthy vegetables.
- This veggie stir fry recipe is ready in 30 minutes and works with any veggies you love!
- You can serve this vegan stir fry in many ways and create healthy meal ideas you’ll never get bored of.
Ingredients And Substitutions
Tamari, white pepper, and cornstarch – For beautifully seasoned golden brown tofu cubes.
Extra firm tofu – Extra firm and firm tofu are your best options for this vegan stir fry because they fry up well.
Avocado oil – You can use any low-flavor oil to cook the mix of vegetables.
Cremini mushrooms – Add meaty texture and umami flavor. Shiitake mushrooms are also tasty for plant based stir fry.
Canned baby corn and carrots – You can use your favorite veggies, but corn and carrots are, dare I say, stir fry must-haves because of their vibrant color and natural sweetness.
Onion – We used white onion for this stir fry, but you can opt for yellow onion if you prefer a milder flavor.
Broccolini – The sweeter, more tender broccolini is perfect for veggie tofu stir fry, but cutting broccoli into small florets also works.
Red bell pepper – It’s the sweetest among the bell peppers. Feel free to use any color you like, or add a hot pepper for a kick!
Green onions and red pepper flakes – Optional but delicious garnishes for our veggie stir fry.
Rice – White or brown rice? It’s up to you! You can even go with cauliflower rice.
For the sauce:
Cornstarch – You can also thicken the sauce with arrowroot powder.
Water and vegetable broth – To balance the sauce’s consistency and flavor.
Tamari – A gluten-free way to add umami flavor to the sauce.
Brown sugar – To balance the saltiness of the tofu stir fry. I think maple syrup will also add an interesting, more complex sweetness to the vegan stir fry sauce.
Rice wine vinegar – The tanginess adds depth to the homemade stir fry sauce.
Sesame oil – For that restaurant stir fry-style nutty aroma and richness.
Fresh ginger – For added kick.
Fresh garlic cloves – Lend a savory flavor to the vegan sauce.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Avoid Soggy Veggies
To ensure even cooking, cut vegetables that will cook slower into small, thin pieces and those that will cook faster into larger, thicker pieces.
Let the Sauce Simmer
Adding the sauce too early might make the veggies soggy! At the same time, you need to let it simmer so it has time to thicken up.
Serving Ideas Beyond Rice
Make easy healthy meals with this vegan stir fry and serve it with quinoa or udon noodles underneath! You can also top them with sesame seeds, bean sprouts, peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor and texture.
Veggie Tofu Stir Fry Recipe FAQs
What is a vegan substitute for meat in stir fry?
Tempeh is a common meat substitute in healthy vegan recipes and will also work in this stir fry. You can cube and fry it, just like tofu.
What can I use instead of tofu in vegan stir fry?
You can substitute tofu with plant-based proteins like soy curls or vegan chicken chunks in vegan stir-fry recipes. For a boost of protein, you can also add edamame!
What are the best veggies for plant based stir fry?
Bok choy, cauliflower, asparagus, sugar snap peas, and zucchini have satisfying textures and flavors that will work well for this tofu stir fry!
Should I blanch vegetables before stir-frying?
No, you don’t need to blanch the vegetables for this vegan veggie stir fry recipe. However, you can blanch dense veggies that take longer to cook to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How to store leftover vegan veggie stir fry?
You can store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, then simply reheat them on the stovetop. Freezing the veggies might not be a good idea as their textures will likely change after thawing.
More Delicious Vegan Healthy Meal Ideas
- Sheet Pan Tofu
- Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes
- Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Pot Roast
- Vegan Ratatouille
I found this recipe for Vegan Fried Rice that I HAVE to try!
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Vegan Stir Fry
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 16-oz package extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 of a 14-oz can baby corn
- 1/4 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccolini florets
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
- Rice for serving
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp tamari
- 1 to 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the cubed tofu with tamari, white pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Brown for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
- Push the tofu to one side and add the mushrooms, onion, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies are starting to soften.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and mix well.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce is thickened.
- Top with green onions and red pepper flakes. Serve over rice.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, cut vegetables that will cook slower into small, thin pieces and those that will cook faster into larger, thicker pieces.
- Adding the sauce too early might make the veggies soggy! At the same time, you need to let it simmer so it has time to thicken up.
- Make easy healthy meals with this vegan stir fry and serve it with quinoa or udon noodles underneath! You can also top them with sesame seeds, bean sprouts, peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor and texture.
PIN FOR LATER!
