Garlic Butter Stir-Fried Vegetables

Garlic Butter Stir-Fried Vegetables

Ingredients:

• Vegetables:

  • 1 cup broccoli florets

  • 1 cup sliced carrots

  • 1 cup snap peas or snow peas

  • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced

  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

  • 1/2 cup baby corn or zucchini (optional)

• Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4-5 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • 1 tsp olive oil (optional, helps butter from burning)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

  • 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari (optional, for umami)

• Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep your vegetables:
   Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Carrots should be sliced thin for quicker cooking.

2. Heat the pan:
   Use a large skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil (optional) and then the butter. Let the butter melt and start to bubble but don’t let it brown yet.

3. Add garlic:
   Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

4. Stir-fry vegetables:
   Add the carrots and broccoli first since they take a bit longer to cook. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Then add the bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, and any other quicker-cooking veggies. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking to retain the nutrients and crunch.

5. Season:
   Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Drizzle soy sauce or tamari to add a savory depth. Stir everything well to coat evenly.

6. Finish and garnish:
   Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking (tender-crisp is ideal), remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.

Tips:

• You can use any veggies you like — green beans, cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, or baby corn work great.

• For extra protein, toss in some tofu cubes, shrimp, or chicken strips (pre-cooked or stir-fried separately).

• Serve hot as a side dish with rice, noodles, or grilled protein.

• Garlic butter sauce can burn quickly, so keep the heat moderate and stir constantly.

Would you like me to suggest a pairing for this dish or variations for different diets?