Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken or Pork Recipe

This recipe for stir-fried vegetables with chicken or pork is a flavorful, nutritious dish that is both flexible and easy to prepare. A medley of colorful vegetables gives this dish a vibrancy that is matched only by its taste. It is an excellent way to get a variety of vitamins and minerals into your diet, and the chicken or pork adds a satisfying protein element.

Photos of Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken or Pork Recipe

This recipe uses a few Asian ingredients that you might not have in your pantry. Oyster sauce is a thick, sweet and salty sauce commonly used in Chinese cooking, it can be found in the Asian section of most supermarkets. Mushroom soy sauce is a type of soy sauce made from fermented mushrooms, it has a richer, deeper flavor than regular soy sauce. Both of these sauces are essential to the flavor of this dish.

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken or Pork

Vegetable oil: Used to stir-fry the ingredients. It has a neutral taste that doesn't interfere with the flavors of the other ingredients.

Chicken breasts: They provide a lean source of protein. You can substitute with pork if preferred.

Garlic cloves: They give a pungent and flavorful edge to the stir-fry.

Oyster sauce: Adds a sweet and salty flavor to the dish.

Vegetables (Broccoli, green bell pepper, carrots, napa cabbage, celery, bean sprouts, zucchini, green onions): These vegetables add a variety of textures, colors and nutrient profiles.

Salt: Brings out the flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to your preference.

Water: Used to dilute the mushroom soy sauce and cornstarch.

Mushroom soy sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor to the dish.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to give it a smooth, glossy finish.

One reader, Had Cleveland says:

This stir-fried vegetables with chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the veggies are perfectly crisp. It's a quick and healthy meal that my whole family loves. The oyster sauce adds a delicious umami kick, making it a new favorite in our household. Highly recommend!

Had Cleveland

Stir-Frying Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Vegetables and Meat

How to stir-fry the chicken or pork: Heat the oil in a wok or large heavy skillet. Add the chicken or pork, garlic, and oyster sauce, then stir-fry for 10 minutes.

How to stir-fry the vegetables: Stir in the broccoli, green pepper, carrots, cabbage, celery, bean sprouts, zucchini, and green onions. Season with salt, and stir-fry for 6 to 8 minutes.

How to thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together water, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir into the vegetables, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.

How To Make Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken or Pork

Prepare a hearty and filling dinner for your family with these stir-fried vegetables tossed with chicken or pork and mixed with a flavorful sauce.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2tbspvegetable oil
½lbchicken breasts,cut into cubes, boneless, skinless
2garlic cloves,chopped
2tbspoyster sauce
1cupbroccoli,chopped
1cupgreen bell pepper,sliced
1cupcarrots,sliced
1cupnapa cabbage,sliced
1cupcelery,sliced
1cupfresh bean sprouts
1cupzucchini,sliced
1cupgreen onions,chopped
1tspsalt
½cupwater
2tbspmushroom soy sauce
1tbspcornstarch

Instructions

Heat oil in a wok or large heavy skillet. Add chicken or pork, garlic, and oyster sauce, then stir-fry for 10 minutes.
Stir in broccoli, green pepper, carrots, cabbage, celery, bean sprouts, zucchini, and green onions. Season with salt, and stir-fry for 6 to 8 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together water, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir into vegetables, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened.

Nutrition

Calories: 915.82kcal
Fat: 49.53g
Saturated Fat: 12.64g
Trans Fat: 0.53g
Monounsaturated Fat: 22.42g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.28g
Carbohydrates: 15.33g
Fiber: 4.23g
Sugar: 5.75g
Protein: 98.75g
Cholesterol: 290.30mg
Sodium: 1623.45mg
Calcium: 138.72mg
Potassium: 1576.84mg
Iron: 4.82mg
Vitamin A: 437.73µg
Vitamin C: 74.86mg

Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Stir-Frying Technique

When stir-frying, it's important to keep the ingredients moving constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent them from burning. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to toss the ingredients around the wok or skillet. Also, remember to add the ingredients in order of their cooking times. Start with the ones that take longer to cook like chicken or pork, and then gradually add the vegetables. This way, everything will be perfectly cooked at the same time.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stir-Fry Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and meat in advance to save time during the actual cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Consider using a large skillet or wok to cook everything in one go, minimizing the number of dishes to clean up later.

High heat: Use a high heat setting to ensure that the ingredients cook quickly and retain their vibrant colors and crisp textures.

Organized workspace: Keep all your ingredients and utensils within easy reach to streamline the cooking process and avoid unnecessary movement.

Multi-task: While stir-frying, utilize downtime to prepare any accompanying side dishes or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken or Pork Recipe

vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and works well for stir-frying.
chicken breasts - Substitute with pork loin: Pork loin is a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken, and it works well in stir-fried dishes.
oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor, adding depth to the dish.
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well when stir-fried.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers offer a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
carrots - Substitute with daikon radish: Daikon radish provides a similar crunch and mild sweetness to the dish.
napa cabbage - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy has a similar texture and flavor, adding a delicious crunch to the stir-fry.
celery - Substitute with water chestnuts: Water chestnuts offer a similar crunch and subtle sweetness to the dish.
fresh bean sprouts - Substitute with snow peas: Snow peas provide a similar crunch and a slightly sweeter flavor to the stir-fry.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great substitute in stir-fries.
green onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor and can add depth to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor and saltiness to the dish.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add depth of flavor and richness to the stir-fry.
mushroom soy sauce - Substitute with regular soy sauce: Regular soy sauce provides a savory, salty flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent, similar to cornstarch, and helps create a glossy sauce for the stir-fry.

Plating Ideas for Stir-Fried Vegetables With Chicken or Pork

Elevate the plating: Arrange the stir-fried vegetables and chicken or pork in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each ingredient is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate a variety of colorful vegetables to create a visually stunning and appetizing dish.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing with finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the overall presentation.
Balance the elements: Ensure a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, creating a visually enticing dish that reflects the culinary expertise behind it.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the stir-fried dish in elegant porcelain or ceramic serving ware to elevate the dining experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stir-Fried Dishes

Wok or large heavy skillet: A wok or a large heavy skillet is essential for stir-frying the vegetables and chicken or pork. It allows for even heat distribution and quick cooking.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used for mixing the water, soy sauce, and cornstarch to create a thickening agent for the stir-fry sauce.
Knife: A knife is needed for cutting the chicken or pork, as well as preparing the vegetables for stir-frying.
Cutting board: A cutting board is essential for safely and efficiently preparing the vegetables and meat.
Cooking spoon or spatula: A cooking spoon or spatula is used for stirring and tossing the ingredients while stir-frying.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch for the recipe.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to measure the water needed for the stir-fry sauce.
Whisk or fork: A whisk or fork can be used to mix the water, soy sauce, and cornstarch together in the small bowl.
Stove or cooktop: A stove or cooktop is necessary for cooking the stir-fry in the wok or skillet.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Stir-Fried Vegetables With Chicken or Pork

Allow the stir-fried vegetables and chicken or pork to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled stir-fry to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you plan to freeze the stir-fry, follow these steps:
1. Divide the cooled stir-fry into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
2. If using containers, leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
3. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
5. Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing.
Frozen stir-fried vegetables with chicken or pork will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen stir-fry overnight in the refrigerator.
Once thawed, reheat the stir-fry in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
If the stir-fry seems dry during reheating, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to help reconstitute the sauce and prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan.

How To Reheat Leftover Stir-Fried Vegetables With Chicken or Pork

Reheat the leftover stir-fried vegetables in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help steam the vegetables and prevent them from drying out. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are heated through and the liquid has evaporated, about 3-5 minutes.
For a crispy texture, spread the leftover stir-fry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and slightly crispy around the edges. This method works well for dishes with a higher ratio of vegetables to meat.
If you have a significant amount of sauce in your leftover stir-fry, reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the sauce is simmering and the vegetables are heated through, remove from heat and serve.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use the microwave. Transfer the leftover stir-fried vegetables with chicken or pork to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the dish is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the vegetables to become soggy.
If you have a steamer basket, you can use it to reheat your stir-fry while maintaining the texture of the vegetables. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the leftover stir-fry in the steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.

Interesting Trivia About Stir-Fried Vegetables With Chicken or Pork

The stir-fried vegetables with chicken or pork recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that provides a variety of essential nutrients. It's a great way to incorporate a wide range of vegetables into your diet, offering a mix of flavors, textures, and colors. This dish can be easily customized to include your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile and adaptable recipe. Additionally, stir-frying the ingredients helps to retain the vegetables' nutrients and natural flavors. It's a perfect dish for those looking to add more vegetables and lean protein to their diet.

Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Stir-Fry Recipe Cost-Effective?

This stir-fried vegetables with chicken or pork recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and basic seasonings makes it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of the dish allows for easy substitution of ingredients based on availability, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is This Stir-Fry Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This stir-fried vegetable recipe with chicken or pork is a relatively healthy dish, packed with a variety of nutritious vegetables and lean protein. The inclusion of broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, celery, bean sprouts, zucchini, and green onions provides a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The use of chicken or pork offers a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of oil used in the stir-frying process to lower the overall calorie and fat content of the dish. Consider using a non-stick pan or wok to minimize the need for added oil.
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or use a reduced amount of regular soy sauce to decrease the dish's sodium content, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Use a leaner cut of pork, such as tenderloin, or remove the skin from the chicken to reduce the saturated fat content of the dish.
Increase the proportion of vegetables to meat to boost the nutrient density and fiber content of the meal while reducing the overall calorie intake.
Consider adding other nutrient-dense ingredients, such as mushrooms, which are low in calories and rich in antioxidants and B vitamins, or nuts like cashews or almonds for a dose of healthy fats and additional protein.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Delicious Stir-Fry Dish

This stir-fried vegetables with chicken or pork recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of a variety of colorful and nutritious vegetables, along with the tender chicken or pork, creates a visually appealing and satisfying dish. The oyster sauce and soy sauce add depth and umami to the stir-fry, while the cornstarch thickens the sauce perfectly. The cooking times are spot on, ensuring that the vegetables are cooked to perfection while retaining their crispness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal.

Enhance Your Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken or Pork Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with melted butter.

Garlic Bread: Warm and crispy garlic bread, brushed with herb-infused olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits, drizzled with a honey-lime dressing and garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Stir-Fry

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinate chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling to perfection.

Mango Salsa Pork Tacos: Season pork with a blend of spices, then top with a refreshing mango salsa and serve in warm tortillas for a delicious taco night.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Toss roasted vegetables with cooked quinoa, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette for a nutritious and satisfying salad option.

Berry Cobbler: Combine fresh berries with a buttery biscuit topping and bake until golden brown for a delightful dessert that's perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Butternut Squash Soup: Simmer butternut squash with onions, garlic, and broth, then blend until smooth for a comforting and creamy soup option.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Stir-Fried Vegetables With Chicken or Pork

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these crispy coconut shrimp, served with a tangy pineapple dipping sauce.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a refreshing and light dessert option for any occasion.

Why trust this Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken or Pork Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and tender chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The use of oyster sauce and mushroom soy sauce adds depth and richness to the dish, while the addition of garlic infuses a delightful aroma. The inclusion of a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, napa cabbage, celery, bean sprouts, zucchini, and green onions ensures a colorful and nutritious meal. The meticulous preparation and cooking process guarantee a satisfying and flavorful experience for all food enthusiasts.

Want to share your own stir-fry recipe or discuss techniques for making the perfect stir-fried vegetables with chicken or pork? Head over to the Recipe Sharing forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken or pork with tofu or seitan. You can also add more vegetables or use vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce for added flavor.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Some great options include mushrooms, snow peas, snap peas, baby corn, water chestnuts, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of sugar or honey to add a similar depth of flavor. You can also use hoisin sauce as a substitute.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply stir-fry the vegetables and add the sauce as directed in the recipe.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce to the stir-fry. You can also include sliced chili peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the spicy ingredients altogether.