Schezwan Vegetables
A vibrant and fiery stir-fry of crisp, colorful vegetables tossed in a bold and spicy Schezwan sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese dish is quick to make and bursting with flavor, perfect with fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation
- b.Wash, chop, and prepare all the vegetables as mentioned in the ingredients list. Keep them ready for quick stir-frying.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp of cornflour and 2 tbsp of water until smooth to create a slurry. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. The oil should be shimmering.
- c.Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until they release their aroma, being careful not to burn them.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables
- b.Add the onion petals and sauté for 1 minute until they turn translucent.
- c.Add the harder vegetables: carrots, french beans, and broccoli. Stir-fry continuously on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
- d.Now, add the softer vegetables: bell peppers and baby corn. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Sauces and Seasonings
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the Schezwan sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and white pepper powder to the wok.
- c.Toss everything together quickly and thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Thicken and Garnish
- b.Give the cornflour slurry a quick stir to recombine it, then pour it into the wok.
- c.Stir continuously for about 1 minute as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the vegetables beautifully.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Schezwan Vegetables immediately while hot with your choice of steamed rice, fried rice, or Hakka noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, always stir-fry on high heat. This sears the vegetables quickly, keeping them crisp and vibrant.
- 2Mise en place is key for stir-frying. Have all your ingredients chopped, sauces measured, and slurry prepared before you start cooking.
- 3A carbon steel wok is ideal for its excellent heat distribution, but a large skillet will also work well.
- 4Do not overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the vegetables in batches to ensure they stir-fry rather than steam.
- 5Adjust the amount of Schezwan sauce and green chilies to match your preferred level of spiciness.
- 6The sugar helps to balance the heat from the sauce and the tang from the vinegar, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Incorporate cubes of paneer, tofu, or mushrooms for a more substantial vegetarian meal. For a non-vegetarian version, add stir-fried chicken, shrimp, or fish.
Vegetable SwapVegetable Swap
Feel free to use other vegetables like zucchini, snow peas, bok choy, or cauliflower based on availability and preference.
Nutty AdditionNutty Addition
For extra crunch and flavor, add a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews towards the end of cooking.
Sauce VariationSauce Variation
For a different flavor profile, you can add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a dash of sesame oil along with the other sauces.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The diverse mix of colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli provides a wide range of essential vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals that are crucial for overall health.
High in Dietary Fiber
Vegetables are a primary source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy gut, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Boosts Immunity
Key ingredients like garlic, ginger, and bell peppers are known for their immune-boosting properties. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help strengthen the body's defenses.
Plant-Based Power
This dish is entirely plant-based, making it a great source of phytonutrients and antioxidants that help combat cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Schezwan Vegetables (approximately 1 cup or 225g) contains around 150-180 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It's a relatively low-calorie dish.