Garlic Mushroom & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

This Garlic Mushroom & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or a light main course. With tender mushrooms, crisp bell peppers, and a savory garlic-infused sauce, this stir-fry pairs well with rice, quinoa, or noodles. It’s an easy, healthy, and colorful dish that comes together in just minutes!

Total Time: 15 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups mushrooms, sliced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)

1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

1 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Heat the Oil:

In a large pan or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Cook the Mushrooms:

Add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown.

Add the Peppers:

Toss in the chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Season It Up:

Add soy sauce, black pepper, balsamic vinegar (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Finish & Serve:

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot over rice or as a side dish.

Tips & Variations for Garlic Mushroom & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

Cooking Tips:

✔ Use High Heat – Stir-frying works best at high heat to keep the veggies crisp and flavorful.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook mushrooms separately first to allow them to brown nicely before adding other veggies.
✔ Enhance the Flavor – Add a splash of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce for extra depth.
✔ Make it Crispier – If you prefer a slight crunch, cook the bell peppers for a shorter time.

Variations:

Spicy Kick – Add sriracha, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
Protein Boost – Stir in chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a heartier meal.
Extra Veggies – Try adding broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn for more variety.
Nutty Twist – Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or cashews for added crunch.
Serve it Differently – Enjoy over steamed rice, quinoa, or even inside a wrap for a fun twist!

Garlic Mushroom & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

Q&A Section

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This stir-fry stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for the best texture.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Try tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (milder & slightly sweet), or low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.

Can I use frozen mushrooms or peppers?
Fresh is best, but you can use frozen. Just cook off excess moisture before adding seasonings.

How do I make it oil-free?
Use vegetable broth instead of oil for sautéing.

What protein pairs well with this dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas go great with this stir-fry.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate)

✅ Calories: ~120
✅ Carbs: 15g
✅ Protein: 4g
✅ Fat: 5g
✅ Fiber: 4g
✅ Sodium: Varies (based on soy sauce)

This is a low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutrient-dense dish—perfect for a healthy meal!