Vegan Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (left for 10 minutes)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and set aside.
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes.
- Stir-Fry:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add Brussels sprouts, bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked tofu back to the pan.
- Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tofu is heated through and the flavors meld.
- Serve the stir fry over cooked brown rice or quinoa.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Health Benefits:
- Brussels Sprouts:
- Rich in Nutrients: Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, providing a significant amount of vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber. These nutrients support immune function, blood clotting, and digestive health.
- Tofu:
- Plant-Based Protein: Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. It also contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
- Colorful Vegetables (Red Bell Pepper, Carrot, Broccoli, Snap Peas):
- Antioxidant-Rich: The colorful array of vegetables contributes a variety of antioxidants to the dish, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Garlic and Ginger:
- Immune Boost: Both garlic and ginger have immune-boosting properties. Garlic contains allicin, known for its antibacterial and antiviral effects, while ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Soy Sauce:
- Amino Acids: Soy sauce provides depth of flavor and contributes amino acids, including essential ones. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, crucial for various bodily functions.
- Maple Syrup:
- Natural Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness without refined sugars. It also provides small amounts of minerals like manganese and zinc.
- Sesame Oil:
- Healthy Fats: Sesame oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It also adds a distinctive flavor to the stir fry.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa:
- Whole Grains: Serving the stir fry over brown rice or quinoa provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and additional nutrients. These whole grains contribute to sustained energy and support digestive health.
- Sesame Seeds and Green Onions:
- Additional Nutrients: Sesame seeds and green onions add a finishing touch of flavor and provide additional nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
This Vegan Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry offers a balanced combination of vegetables, plant-based protein, and whole grains, making it a nutrient-dense and tasty meal. It's rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Enjoy!