Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce
A vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables tossed in a fiery, garlicky sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese stir-fry is bursting with bold sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, and is ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sauce and Slurry
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This is your hot garlic sauce base. Set aside.
- c.In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until it's completely smooth and free of lumps. This is your slurry for thickening. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Place a wok or a large, deep skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it get very hot until it shimmers.
- c.Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry continuously for about 30-45 seconds until they release a strong, fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-Fry Vegetables
- b.Add the spring onion whites and onion petals to the wok. Stir-fry for 1 minute until the onions are slightly translucent.
- c.Add the harder vegetables: carrots, broccoli, and baby corn. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. They should become tender-crisp.
- d.Finally, add the mixed bell peppers and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. The goal is to keep all vegetables vibrant and crunchy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Thicken
- b.Pour the prepared sauce mixture and the vegetable stock into the wok with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- c.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir (as it may have settled), then slowly pour it into the boiling sauce while continuously stirring the contents of the wok.
- d.Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will thicken, turn glossy, and coat all the vegetables evenly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Serve immediately while hot with your choice of steamed jasmine 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 best results, have all your vegetables chopped and the sauce mixed before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process (mise en place).
- 2Always stir-fry on high heat. This sears the vegetables quickly, keeping them crisp and preventing them from becoming soggy.
- 3To ensure even cooking, blanch the broccoli and carrots for 2 minutes in boiling water, then transfer to an ice bath before stir-frying. This preserves their color and crunch.
- 4Feel free to customize with other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, snow peas, or water chestnuts.
- 5Using a carbon steel wok is highly recommended as its shape provides superior heat distribution for stir-frying.
- 6Adjust the sauce to your liking. Add a pinch more sugar to balance the heat, or more chili sauce for an extra kick.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
For a more substantial meal, add 200g of cubed paneer, firm tofu, or bite-sized chicken pieces. Sauté the protein separately until golden and add it back in with the vegetables at the end.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Garnish with a tablespoon of toasted white sesame seeds or a handful of roasted cashews for added texture and flavor.
Schezwan StyleSchezwan Style
Replace the red chili sauce with 2-3 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce for a different, more numbing and spicy flavor profile.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the light soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The diverse mix of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provides a powerful dose of essential vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K, as well as minerals like potassium and folate.
Boosts Immunity
Garlic and ginger are the stars of the sauce and are renowned for their immune-boosting properties. Garlic contains allicin and ginger contains gingerol, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
High in Dietary Fiber
Loaded with vegetables, this dish is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for good digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and helping you feel full and satisfied.
Packed with Antioxidants
Colorful bell peppers and broccoli are rich in antioxidants that help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Vegetables in Hot Garlic Sauce (approximately 1.5 cups) contains around 180-220 calories, excluding any rice or noodles it's served with. It's a relatively low-calorie main dish.