Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Noodles

Vegetarian stir-fries have become a favorite among many for their simplicity and versatility. This dish is quick to prepare, full of fresh vegetables and noodles that absorb the flavors of soy sauce and garlic. The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes and serves about 4 people.

Ingredients

1 lb. wide egg noodles or rice noodles
1 large bell pepper, cut into thin strips
2 carrots, sliced thinly on an angle
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce (or to taste)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 small onion, finely chopped for added flavor

Instructions

Begin by boiling the noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain well but keep some water from the pot as it will be used later.
While the noodles are cooking, prepare all vegetables and seasonings. Cut your bell peppers into strips that match the width of your carrots. Mince the garlic cloves finely or use a press to extract fresh juice.
In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then add in your bell peppers followed by carrots. Stir frequently to ensure they do not stick or burn.
As soon as the vegetables start getting tender (about 5 minutes), mix in the cooked noodles along with reserved noodle water. Add soy sauce, salt and pepper according to preference. If you find that your dish is too dry, add a little more noodle water or stock.
Stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through throughout. Taste before serving to adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with optional finely chopped onions for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

If you're looking to make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding mushrooms or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
For a heartier meal, add chicken or tofu. If using chicken, ensure it is fully cooked before serving as vegetables can cook faster than meat proteins.
To give your stir-fry an extra kick, try stirring in some fresh ginger root along with the garlic at the beginning of cooking.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes. This dish serves about 4 people generously.

Nutritional Information

A serving size would be roughly around 150-200 grams of the stir-fry, including noodles and vegetables. This includes 25g of carbohydrates from the noodles, approximately 8g protein from the soy sauce and potentially added ingredients like tofu or chicken. It also provides about 15-20g of fiber depending on what vegetables are used.

Conclusion

This vegetarian stir-fry with vegetables and noodles is a delightful way to enjoy wholesome, home-cooked food. With its quick preparation, affordable ingredients, and ability to accommodate various tastes through simple adjustments in seasoning or added components, it stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking easy yet satisfying meals. Whether you're looking for something light during lunchtime or want to impress dinner guests, this versatile dish is sure to please everyone at the table.