Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook vegetables and play around with spices and flavor. This cooking technique allows you to create many variations of healthy, plant-based meals. You can choose recipes such as Indian Chinese Broccoli Manchurian Stir Fry, Bitter Melon, Potato and Eggplant Indian-Style Stir Fry, or Spicy Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic, Black Pepper and Chives.

For a simple, quick way to make stir-fry vegetables, try this method below.

1. Obtain a wok or nonstick skillet

Invest in a good wok, which is a helpful, ideal tool to have when making stir-fry vegetables. Woks contain a rounded bottom that makes flipping vegetables easier. They are commonly used in a range of different Chinese cooking techniques, including stir-frying, steaming, and pan frying. Using a nonstick skillet is important if you choose to fry in vegetable broth instead of oil.

2. Prep your veggies

For a quick and easy stir-fry that takes five minutes to make, grab frozen or pre-washed and cut vegetables, which you can easily find at most grocery stores. Or, grab the best selection of local produce at your nearest farmer’s market. Clean, peel, and chop your vegetables, then place them aside so they’re ready to throw in the skillet later. Chop all vegetables around the same size.

3. Heat your pan

Heat the pan to medium-high heat before placing anything inside. To make sure your pan is hot enough, drop water in it. If the water evaporates or sizzles, the pan is ready.

4. Add oil, water, or broth

Add a few tablespoons of healthy cooking oil to a warm wok for cooking the vegetables. Or, for a leaner meal, skip the oil altogether. Adding oil to stir-fry does not have to be obligatory. Go oil-free by using this homemade, oil-free vegetable broth instead and add about ¼ cup to your nonstick skillet.

5. Add vegetables, minding texture

Throw in the vegetables you chose and prepared earlier, staggering each add-in every minute or so depending on how long they need to cook. Tougher textures cook longer, so onion would go first, then garlic, ginger, broccoli, and bell peppers.

6. Toss well with spices and herbs

Utilize the shape of the wok and toss all of the vegetables well. Use a long spatula for tossing. After you’ve cooked the vegetables for a few minutes, add in your desired spices and herbs.

7. Garnish, plate, and enjoy!

Serve the meal to a group on a nice plate. Add a garnish on top like cilantro and you’ll have a pretty-steaming hot vegan stir fry to devour.

Image source: Indian Chinese Broccoli Manchurian Stir Fry