Asian Flavored Veggie Stir Fry

I’ll be honest — I’m not the biggest vegetable enthusiast. But when my husband said he was craving broccoli, I decided to try something new on a whim hoping he would thoroughly enjoy it. 

This simple Asian-inspired stir fry with hot chili oil and sesame oil completely changed his idea of eating broccoli which he had expected to be simple steamed broccoli. Additionally, to my delight, I actually enjoyed eating broccoli for the first time in my life. This side dish was bold and packed with flavor.

The broccoli was tender yet crisp, coated in a glossy, slightly spicy sauce with deep nutty notes from sesame oil. And the best part? It took just minutes to make. Even I went back for seconds.

Later, my husband tried the same recipe with cauliflower florets — and wow, it was a game changer. The cauliflower absorbed the flavors beautifully, developing a rich, nutty taste that we both absolutely loved. Sometimes all vegetables need is the right flavor. boost. 

Please see recipe below and download recipe HERE.

Asian Flavored Vegetable Stir Fry 

Ingredients:

Olive oil: 1 Tablespoon

Sesame oil: 1 tsp

Garlic powder: ¼- ½ tsp

Black pepper: 1 tsp

Salt: ½ tsp

Hot Chili oil: 1-2 tsp, for milder taste add only 1 tsp

Veggies: Broccoli florets or cauliflower florets: 1- 2 cups 

Recipe: 

1.  Heat olive and sesame oil in large pan over medium high heat.
2.  Add garlic to oil, stir into oil.
3. Add salt and pepper to oil, mix well.
4. Add broccoli florets to pan.
5. Stir fry while occasionally stirring veggies for approx. 7-9 minutes until broccoli/cauliflower florets are slightly charred and/or broccoli color is bright green.

Chef’s Note: Add more spices from ingredients listed above or more hot chili oil after tasting florets, adjust spices according to desired taste.