Whatever Is In The Garden Stir-Fry
A vibrant garden-inspired stir-fry featuring fresh vegetables and tender meat or meatless options, seasoned with soy sauce and served over fluffy rice for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put rice on to cook according to directions.
- Thinly slice chicken or beef.
- Heat wok or large skillet.
- Add a small amount of oil.
- Add meat to the skillet.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger to your stir-fry. If you don't have summer squash, zucchini makes a great substitute. You can use any protein like tofu or shrimp instead of chicken or beef. To save time, prep all your vegetables beforehand and keep them organized. Make sure to have your ingredients ready to go, as stir-frying is a quick process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over the rice you cooked earlier for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Snow Peas for a refreshing crunch. Consider adding a light soy sauce or sesame oil drizzle for extra flavor. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to a skillet over medium heat to prevent drying out, and stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whatever Is In The Garden Stir-Fry contains roughly 569 calories, with 17g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value) and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2904mg per serving (126% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir-fry?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you're short on time. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the stir-fry to ensure even cooking. However, fresh vegetables will provide a better texture and flavor, so use frozen as a last resort.
How do I prevent my stir-fry from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy stir-fry, ensure your vegetables are dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir-fry in batches if necessary, and keep the heat high to achieve a nice sear without steaming the ingredients.
What other proteins work well in a stir-fry?
In addition to chicken and beef, you can use pork, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its unique flavor, and you can find many delicious variations within Chinese recipes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you select.
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).