Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

This vibrant broccoli and mushroom stir fry delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes, combining crisp-tender vegetables with a savory garlic-ginger sauce that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The key to perfect stir fry lies in high heat and quick cooking, which preserves the bright green color of broccoli while allowing mushrooms to develop their rich, umami depth. This versatile dish works equally well as a standalone meal over rice or as a flavorful side dish that elevates any dinner table.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 large head broccoli (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
• 8 oz mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button), sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce and vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, red pepper flakes, and water until smooth. Set aside. Cut broccoli into uniform florets and slice mushrooms to ensure even cooking.
2. Blanch the broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for exactly 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water and set aside.
3. Heat the wok or pan. Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly. This high temperature is crucial for achieving the characteristic “wok hei” or breath of the wok flavor.
4. Cook the mushrooms first. Add 2 tablespoons oil to the hot pan and swirl to coat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer without overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side, then stir and cook another 1-2 minutes until tender and caramelized.
5. Add aromatics. Push mushrooms to one side of the pan and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the empty space. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
6. Combine vegetables. Add the blanched broccoli to the pan and toss everything together for 1 minute, ensuring the broccoli is heated through and coated with the aromatic oil.
7. Add sauce and finish. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir to recombine, then pour it over the vegetables. Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all vegetables with a glossy finish.
8. Serve immediately. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or enjoy on its own.

Tips for Success

Master the blanching technique. Pre-blanching broccoli ensures it stays vibrant green and reaches the perfect crisp-tender texture. The cold water rinse immediately after blanching prevents overcooking and maintains the bright color.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the vegetables. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and creates soggy stir fry instead of the desired crisp texture.

Prepare everything before cooking. Stir frying happens quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and the sauce mixed before you heat the pan. This ensures smooth execution and prevents burning.

Use the right oil. High smoke point oils like vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil work best for stir frying. Avoid olive oil, which can break down at high temperatures and create bitter flavors.

Listen for the sizzle. A properly heated pan will create an immediate sizzle when ingredients hit the surface. If you don’t hear sizzling, the pan isn’t hot enough yet.

Recipe Variations

Protein-Packed Version: Add 8 oz of sliced chicken breast, beef strips, or firm tofu. Cook the protein first, remove from pan, then proceed with vegetables and add protein back at the end.

Spicy Szechuan Style: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add 1 tablespoon of Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground, for authentic numbing heat.

Cashew Crunch: Stir in 1/2 cup of roasted cashews during the last minute of cooking for added protein and satisfying crunch.

Thai-Inspired: Replace oyster sauce with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Finish with fresh Thai basil leaves and a squeeze of lime juice.

Vegetarian Delight: Substitute vegetarian mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce for oyster sauce, and add extra vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers.

Storage Instructions

Immediate Serving: Broccoli and mushroom stir fry is best enjoyed immediately while vegetables retain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Note that reheated vegetables will be softer than when freshly made.

Reheating Guidelines: Reheat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.

Meal Prep Tips: For meal prep, slightly undercook the vegetables initially, as they’ll continue cooking when reheated. Store sauce separately and combine just before serving for best results.

Nutritional Highlights

This broccoli and mushroom stir fry provides an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the broccoli, while mushrooms contribute B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. The combination creates a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that’s rich in antioxidants and fiber.

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a powerful compound with anti-inflammatory properties, while mushrooms provide umami flavor naturally without added sodium. The minimal oil used in stir frying preserves nutrients while creating satisfying textures and flavors.

Cooking Science and Techniques

Understanding Stir Fry Timing: The brief, high-heat cooking method preserves both nutrients and texture. Broccoli’s cell walls break down just enough to become tender while maintaining structural integrity and bright color.

Mushroom Water Management: Cooking mushrooms first allows their natural moisture to evaporate, concentrating flavors and preventing the stir fry from becoming watery. This technique ensures each mushroom piece develops a golden, caramelized exterior.

Sauce Thickening: The cornstarch in the sauce creates a glossy coating that clings to vegetables without making them soggy. The brief cooking time activates the starch just enough to thicken without becoming gummy.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this colorful broccoli and mushroom stir fry over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. For added protein, pair with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or marinated tofu. The dish also works beautifully alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like egg rolls, dumplings, or miso soup.

For a grain-free option, serve over shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles. The savory sauce pairs excellently with the mild flavors of these alternatives while keeping the meal light and fresh.

Consider doubling the recipe for meal prep or entertaining, as this versatile stir fry appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an impressive side dish that elevates simple grilled proteins or transforms leftover rice into an exciting meal.