Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful vegetable dish that brings together the crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli and the savory umami of mushrooms, all tossed in a light yet aromatic Chinese-style sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy stir-fry is ideal for busy weeknights, as a healthy side, or even a standalone main when served over rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes, including prep

• Packed with fresh, nutritious vegetables

• Easy to adapt to vegan or gluten-free diets

• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients

• Great side dish or light main

• Adds variety to your weekly veggie routine

• Naturally low in calories and rich in fiber

• Bursting with flavor from garlic, ginger, and chili

• Pairs well with rice, noodles, or protein dishes

• A foolproof way to cook broccoli perfectly every time

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sauce:
2 tablespoons vegetable broth
1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the slurry:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

For the stir-fry:
1 lb broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
1/2 lb button mushrooms, sliced
4 dried Chinese chili peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Make the sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Prepare the slurry: Mix cornstarch and water in a separate bowl. Stir well and set aside.

3. Steam the broccoli: Heat 1/4 cup water in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add broccoli and a pinch of salt. Cover and steam for 1 minute. Uncover and stir until broccoli is just tender and water has evaporated. Remove broccoli and set aside.

4. Sear the mushrooms: Wipe the pan dry and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Increase to high heat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Sear for 1 minute without touching. Flip and stir occasionally for another 2–3 minutes until browned and dry.

5. Add aromatics: Push mushrooms to one side. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to the empty side and toss in the dried chilies, garlic, ginger, and green onion. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant and chilies darken.

6. Combine and finish: Return broccoli to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir for 30 seconds. Stir the slurry again, then pour it into the pan. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.

7. Serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice for a satisfying main.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add tofu, shrimp, or sliced chicken breast for a more filling meal.

• Spicier Kick: Add more dried chilies or a dash of chili oil.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

• Mushroom Swap: Try shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms for different flavors.

• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of soy sauce used.

• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for a colorful mix.

• Noodle Stir Fry: Toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles for a hearty main dish.

• Citrusy Twist: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a few drops of lime juice at the end.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as broccoli may become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking. The texture may be softer than fresh broccoli.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, as written, it is vegan. Just ensure your soy sauce or tamari is certified vegan.

Can I skip the chili peppers?

Absolutely. The dried chilies add a mild heat and flavor, but you can omit them for a milder version.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy broccoli?

Steam briefly until bright green and remove from heat as soon as it’s al dente. Avoid overcooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the vegetables to steam instead of stir-fry.

What kind of oil is best for stir-frying?

Peanut oil is ideal for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, but any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works.

Can I meal prep this stir-fry?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients ahead and stir-fry just before serving for maximum freshness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the slurry before adding it. Let it simmer for a few seconds to thicken.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from the dried chilies, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice tolerance.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or as a side to grilled meat or tofu.

Conclusion

This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful, and health-conscious dish that comes together in minutes. With tender-crisp broccoli, savory mushrooms, and bold aromatics, it’s a go-to recipe whether you’re looking for a quick side or a meatless main. Easy to customize and packed with texture, it’s a must-try addition to your weekly cooking routine.