Quick Seitan & Broccoli Stir-fry
This quick and easy Seitan & Broccoli Stir-fry is a weeknight winner, delivering a protein-packed, savory meal faster than takeout, with seitan's 'meaty' texture perfectly absorbing a vibrant ginger-garlic sauce.
For 4 servings
**Prep Ingredients**: Slice the seitan into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and grate ginger. Slice scallions for garnish.
**Make the Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate tiny bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to create a slurry. Set both aside.
**Cook Seitan**: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced seitan in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove seitan from the pan and set aside.
**Stir-fry Broccoli**: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same wok. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-6 minutes, or until tender-crisp and bright green. If needed, add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) and cover for 1-2 minutes to steam the broccoli slightly.
**Combine & Sauce**: Return the cooked seitan to the wok with the broccoli. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk, then pour it over the seitan and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
**Thicken Sauce**: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and coats the ingredients.
**Serve**: Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**High Heat is Key**: For a true stir-fry, ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients. This creates a good sear and prevents steaming.
- 2**Don't Crowd the Pan**: Cook seitan and broccoli in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which lowers the pan temperature and leads to steaming instead of stir-frying.
- 3**Prep Ahead**: Have all your ingredients prepped and measured (mise en place) before you start cooking, as stir-fries cook very quickly.
- 4**Adjust Sweetness/Heat**: Taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry and adjust the brown sugar for sweetness or red pepper flakes for heat to suit your preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Swap
Replace broccoli with other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for variety.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Incorporate a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter or almond butter into the sauce for a richer, creamier, and nutty profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant-Based Protein
Seitan is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, making this a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Rich in Fiber
Broccoli provides significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and contributing to gut health.
Immune-Boosting Nutrients
Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C and K, while ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supporting overall immune function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Add it directly to the hot pan, stirring frequently. It might release more water, so ensure the pan is hot to evaporate moisture quickly.
