Broccoli Stir Fry Side Or Main

Want to make broccoli taste irresistible? Try this broccoli stir fry! This healthy green veggie is covered in a sauce that’s so flavorful, you’ll forget that it’s good for you. Really, Alex and I couldn’t stop sneaking bites out of the pan (that’s how tasty it is). The broccoli is accessorized with a few other veggies, garlic and ginger, and an incredibly savory sauce. There’s so much flavor going on, it’s one of the best ways to eat your colorful veggies. You can serve it two ways: as a side dish, or add a protein and serve with rice, and you’ve got dinner! Also try: Cauliflower Stir Fry

What’s in this broccoli stir fry?

This broccoli stir fry stars not only broccoli, but three more of the best vegetables you can eat. It’s whole food plant based (WFPB) and full of all the nutrients those colorful veggies bring. Here’s what you’ll find in this recipe:

Broccoli (including broccolini if you can find it: see below!)Orange pepperRed onionPortobello mushroomsGarlic & gingerStir fry sauce with mirin, rice vinegar, and soy sauce

The most time involved in the recipe is chopping all the vegetables! It will take a few minutes to complete, but don’t worry: all that chopping is worth it. Once you’re done chopping, the cooking is a breeze: you’ll stir fry the veggies for about 6 to 7 minutes, then add the garlic and ginger for 1 minute more. Then remove the heat, add the sauce, and you’re done! Another option: try our Go-To Stir Fry Sauce! It would work with the quantity of vegetables in this recipe.

Add broccolini if you can find it!

What’s broccolini? While it looks like baby broccoli, it’s actually not! Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. The cross combines the long stems of Chinese broccoli with the florets of broccoli, and has a milder flavor than broccoli. Fun fact: Did you know broccolini was invented in 1993? And here I was thinking it was an elegant Italian ingredient that had hundreds of years of history. Nope, it’s not even 20 years old. Broccolini is more of a specialty ingredient, so it’s not carried in all grocery stores. It’s usually by the broccoli, so look for a very small bunch of broccoli with long stems. The bunch will feel small, and that’s ok: you’re using it for a fun texture contrast and its elegant look. What if you can’t find it? Substitute 1 more head standard broccoli into this dish.

Idea 1: Broccoli stir fry as a side dish

This broccoli stir fry we designed to work in two ways: as a side dish, or as a main dish when served with a protein! What meals would it work with as a side dish? Here are a few ideas:

Salmon: It’s perfect with Teriyaki salmon, or even a straight up baked salmon.Fried Rice: It makes fried rice into more of a filling meal. Try takeout-style fried rice or shrimp fried rice.Noodles: It would be fantastic to add more veg to these Quick Peanut Noodles.Tofu: Serve with your favorite tofu recipe (see below).

Idea 2: Make it into a main dish

If you wanted a broccoli stir fry that makes a main dish, this recipe works too! Because it doesn’t have any filling protein in it, you’ll need to add a protein. Here are some ideas:

Cashews: Throw ¾ cup cashews into this stir fry when you add the broccoli. This makes a main dish of about 2 to 3 servings. To make it stretch further, make…Marinated Tofu: This easy marinated tofu would be perfect to serve with the stir fry! We’d place each in a bowl separately served over rice (don’t mix together). You also go more free-form and eat it with Scrambled Tofu.Sauteed Shrimp: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, and lime to brighten (and maybe a splash of soy sauce).Serve with Rice: Serve each of the variations above with rice! We like brown rice because it has more fiber and nutrients. Try our White Rice, Brown Rice (the Fast Way), or Instant Pot Rice.

Broccoli nutrition

Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat! It’s a cruciferous vegetable, part of a veggie family that includes cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale. When you eat this broccoli stir fry, you’re loading yourself with good things. Here’s what’s great about broccoli:

It’s a great source of fiber. 1 cup of raw broccoli has 2.3 grams of fiber, or about 5 to 10% of your daily need. (Source)It’s also high in protein for a green vegetable. 1 cup also has 3 grams protein. (Source) That’s a similar level to asparagus and potatoes.It’s very high in Vitamin C. ½ cup has 70% your daily value of Vitamin C! Wow. (Source)

Other broccoli recipes

Finally: do you love broccoli? Outside of this broccoli stir fry, here are some of our favorite ways to eat it:

Roasted Broccoli (Best Ever!) As irresistible as French fries! It’s charred until tender, then spritzed with lemon juice.Quick Cheesy Broccoli is the best fast and easy side dish! A fan favorite.Best Steamed Broccoli Steamed broccoli is an easy, healthy side dish that turns out bright green and crisp tender every time. Add red onion and feta if you’d like!Simple Sauteed Broccoli Make your broccoli taste amazing in just 10 minutes! This easy sauteed broccoli highlights its fresh flavor and comes out perfectly crisp tender.Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole Enjoy your broccoli casserole style, with white cheddar cheese and chewy wild rice.

Another great stir fry? Try Baby Bok Choy Stir Fry.