Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe

There's something magical about a sizzling wok filled with vibrant vegetables that come together in perfect harmony. My broccoli and mushroom stir fry has become my go-to recipe when I need something quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. This simple dish transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that's ready faster than ordering takeout.

What I love most about this broccoli and mushroom stir fry is how versatile it is. Whether you're cooking for yourself on a busy Tuesday or feeding the whole family, this recipe delivers every single time. The tender-crisp broccoli florets pair beautifully with meaty mushrooms, all coated in a savory sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, this broccoli and mushroom stir fry works perfectly as a standalone meal or as a side dish to complement your favorite protein.

Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out

Stir-frying has been around for centuries, originating in China where quick cooking over high heat became a practical way to save fuel and preserve nutrients. This broccoli and mushroom stir fry honors that tradition while making it accessible for home cooks everywhere. The beauty of this cooking method is that it locks in the vegetables' natural colors, textures, and vitamins, giving you a meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

What makes this broccoli and mushroom stir fry truly special is its simplicity. Unlike complicated recipes that require obscure ingredients or advanced techniques, this one relies on pantry staples and straightforward steps. The combination of broccoli and mushrooms creates a perfect balance of textures; the broccoli stays slightly crunchy while the mushrooms become tender and absorb all those wonderful flavors from the sauce. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle, need a gluten-free option, or just want to add more vegetables to your diet, this broccoli and mushroom stir fry checks all the boxes.

Jump to:

• Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Game-Changing Secret Every Chef Knows
• FAQ
• Your Next Delicious Adventure
• Related
• Pairing
• Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• Fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
• Mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake work great)
• Sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Small onion, sliced
• Red bell pepper, sliced (optional for extra color)
• Vegetable oil for cooking

For the Sauce:

• Soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• Oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegetarian)
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Optional Additions:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced
• Cashews or peanuts for crunch

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables

1. Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and slice them about ¼-inch thick. Avoid washing them directly under water as they'll absorb too much moisture.
3. Mince your garlic and grate the ginger. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process so much smoother.
4. Mix all your sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt.
2. Drop the broccoli florets in and cook for exactly 2 minutes. This blanching step gives you that perfect tender-crisp texture.
3. Immediately drain and plunge the broccoli into ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps that gorgeous green color.
4. Drain well and set aside on paper towels. You want the broccoli as dry as possible before it hits the wok.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

1. Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
2. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook without stirring for about 2 minutes. This lets them develop a nice golden color.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions. Stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant; don't let the garlic burn.
4. Add the blanched broccoli and bell peppers if using. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, keeping everything moving in the pan.
5. Pour in your prepared sauce and toss everything together for another minute until the sauce thickens and coats all the vegetables.
6. Drizzle with sesame oil and give it one final toss before serving.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Transfer your broccoli and mushroom stir fry to a serving dish immediately while it's piping hot.
2. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
3. Serve over steamed rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
4. Enjoy immediately while the vegetables are still crispy and the sauce is hot.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your stir fry just right comes down to a few key techniques that make all the difference. First, always prep everything before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast, and you won't have time to chop vegetables once that wok is hot.

Temperature Control

• Keep your heat on high throughout the cooking process. A hot wok is essential for that signature wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor.
• If your stove doesn't get hot enough, cook in smaller batches so the vegetables sear instead of steam.
• Let your wok heat up for at least 2-3 minutes before adding oil.

Ingredient Tips

• Use fresh broccoli rather than frozen for the best texture and flavor in your stir fry.
• Choose firm mushrooms without any slimy spots or strong odors.
• Fresh ginger makes a huge difference compared to powdered; it adds a bright, zingy flavor.

Cooking Technique

• Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat.
• Keep ingredients moving constantly with a spatula or by tossing the wok.
• Add vegetables in order of cooking time; harder vegetables go in first.

Sauce Success

• Mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent clumping.
• Add sauce at the end of cooking so it coats everything evenly without making vegetables soggy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; you can always add more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this broccoli and mushroom stir fry is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Protein Additions If you want to turn this into a heartier main dish, consider these options:

• Add cubed firm tofu for a vegan protein boost; press it first to remove excess moisture.
• Toss in cooked edamame or chickpeas for plant-based protein.
• For non-vegetarians, add pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef in the last step.

Vegetable Swaps

• Swap half the broccoli for carrots or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Add baby corn, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots for authentic Asian flavors.
• Try bok choy or Chinese broccoli for a traditional twist.
• Include snow peas or sugar snap peas for extra sweetness.

Sauce Variations

• Make it spicy by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding sriracha.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free version.
• Replace oyster sauce with hoisin or teriyaki sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a Thai-inspired version.

Dietary Modifications

• Keep it vegan by using hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
• For low-carb diets, serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Add more vegetables and skip the sweetener for a keto-friendly option.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes preparing this broccoli and mushroom stir fry so much easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Equipment

• Carbon steel wok or large skillet: A 14-inch wok is perfect for stir-frying. Carbon steel heats quickly and maintains high temperatures. If you don't have a wok, a large cast-iron skillet works wonderfully.
• Sharp chef's knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Cutting board: A large wooden or plastic board gives you plenty of workspace.
• Mixing bowls: Small bowls for prepping your sauce and ingredients.

Helpful Tools

• Spider strainer or slotted spoon: Perfect for blanching broccoli and removing it quickly.
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon: Metal can scratch your wok; stick with heat-resistant silicone or wood.
• Grater or microplane: For fresh ginger and garlic if you prefer grating to mincing.

Nice to Have

• Wok spatula: The curved edge is designed specifically for stir-frying.
• Mandoline slicer: Creates perfectly uniform vegetable slices.
• Rice cooker: Lets you focus on the stir fry while rice cooks automatically.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This broccoli and mushroom stir fry is perfect for meal prep and stores beautifully for quick weekday lunches.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the sauce separate if meal prepping; add it just before reheating for best texture.
• The broccoli may soften slightly but will still taste delicious.

Freezing Instructions

• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Undercook vegetables slightly if you plan to freeze them; they'll finish cooking when reheated.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Note that mushrooms may release some liquid after freezing, so drain before serving.

Reheating Tips

• Reheat in a hot wok or skillet for 3-4 minutes to restore some crispness.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Add a splash of water or extra sauce if the stir fry seems dry.

Meal Prep Strategy

Prepare your broccoli and mushroom stir fry components ahead of time:

• Chop all vegetables and store in separate containers up to 2 days ahead.
• Mix the sauce and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Blanch broccoli the night before and store in the fridge.
• Cook rice or noodles in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

FAQ

Your Next Delicious Adventure

Now that you've mastered this delicious broccoli and mushroom stir fry, you're ready to branch out and try other mushroom-based recipes that'll expand your cooking repertoire. The techniques you've learned here translate perfectly to countless other dishes, and I've got two recipes that'll take your mushroom cooking to the next level.

If you loved the earthy flavors in this broccoli and mushroom stir fry, you'll absolutely adore my Vegan Mushroom Soup Recipe. It's creamy, comforting, and perfect for cooler evenings when you want something warming and satisfying. For breakfast or a quick lunch, try my Creamy Mushroom Toast Recipe; it features those same beautiful mushrooms in a completely different way that's equally delicious. Both recipes are just as easy to make and will help you fall even more in love with cooking mushrooms. This broccoli and mushroom stir fry is just the beginning of your culinary journey!

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this broccoli and mushroom stir fry recipe: