Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/2 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 block (200g) firm tofu, cubed (optional for extra protein)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Cooked quinoa, brown rice, or noodles for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Vegetables
Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets. Ensure they are bite-sized.
Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends and cut them in half if they’re large.
Asparagus: Trim the woody ends and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Peas: If fresh, shell them from their pods. If frozen, just have them ready to use.
Cook the Tofu (Optional)
Tofu Cubes: Heat oil in a pan. Add cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides. They should look crispy and golden when done.
Sauté the Vegetables
Garlic and Ginger: Heat oil in the pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. They should sizzle and become aromatic after a minute.
Add the Vegetables
Stir-Frying: Add the Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and asparagus to the pan. Stir-fry until they start to become tender. The vegetables should be bright and slightly charred.
Add Spinach and Peas
Spinach: Add fresh spinach and peas to the pan. The spinach will wilt and the peas will become bright green.
Season
Sauces and Spices: Pour soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the vegetables. The sauce should be evenly distributed, and the vegetables should be glistening.
Combine with Tofu
Mixing: If using tofu, add it back into the pan and gently stir to combine. The tofu should be mixed well with the vegetables and sauce.
Serve
Final Dish: Serve the stir-fry over quinoa, brown rice, or noodles. The dish should look vibrant and colorful with a mix of vegetables and tofu.
Garnish (Optional)
Final Touches: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lemon/lime juice. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal.