Easy Stir-Fry Combinations for a Healthy Dinner

Stir-frying is a quick and tasty way to prepare dinner, especially when you’re short on time. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of practice, you can create delicious meals that are both satisfying and colorful. Using an air fryer for some steps can add a nice twist and make cleanup easier.

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup snap peas or green beans
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup cubed firm tofu or chicken breast (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Steps

1. If using tofu or chicken, toss the cubes with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the protein for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
2. While the protein cooks, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
4. Add the harder vegetables first, like carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Add the remaining vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms. Continue stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until everything is tender-crisp.
6. Mix in the cooked tofu or chicken and drizzle the soy sauce over the stir-fry. Toss everything together to combine and heat through for another minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Tips and Variations

• Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables depending on the season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, baby corn, or bok choy work well.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce when adding the soy sauce.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the tofu or chicken in the skillet before adding the vegetables.
• Try finishing the stir-fry with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
• Using pre-cut frozen vegetables can save time and still give great results.