My Favorite Dinner
A vibrant vegetable stir-fry featuring fresh garden produce, ginger, and teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful, and customizable vegetarian or chicken meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Go to the garden and get the vegetables.
- Start with 1 cup chopped vegetables and add 1/2 cup more for each person.
- Get the bamboo shoots and water chestnuts from the store.
- Use the last 4 ingredients for each 4 persons.
- Put sesame seed oil in a large hot skillet. Slice onion into it.
- Cover and stir until translucent.
- Add 1/2 cup water if too dry.
- Cover immediately after water addition to give steam.
- Cook vegetables in microwave without water.
- Carrots and celery take the longest to cook.
- Cook the other vegetables together only until warmed.
- Add vegetables to the onion in the skillet.
- Add grated ginger and teriyaki sauce.
- If a sauce is desired, add 1 cup water with 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in it.
- Cook until the sauce is jelled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant dish, try using a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables. This recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute tofu with shrimp or chicken for a protein boost. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. For an alternative flavor, consider using peanut oil instead of sesame seed oil, which pairs beautifully with the teriyaki sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish serves well with steamed rice or quinoa, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Asian-inspired meal. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with Orange Chicken With Broccoli or a light soup. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but do so in short intervals to avoid overcooking the vegetables. For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to consume.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Dinner contains roughly 39 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a time-saving alternative. They are pre-washed and cut, allowing for quicker preparation. However, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the cooking process.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the cooked chicken and increase the amount of tofu. You can also add more vegetables or legumes, such as chickpeas, to maintain a balanced meal. Ensure that your teriyaki sauce is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may contain animal products.
What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?
If you don't have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar, along with a splash of rice vinegar. This will provide a similar sweet and savory flavor profile that works well with the vegetables in this dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).