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### Directions:
**1. Prepare the Protein**
Start by prepping your protein. If you’re using chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. For shrimp, peel and devein them. For tofu, press out any excess water and cut it into cubes.
**2. Prepare the Vegetables**
Slice the bell pepper, onion, and carrot. Trim the ends of the snap peas and chop the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic for extra flavor.
**3. Make the Sauce**
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and cornstarch (if using). Add water and stir until the cornstarch dissolves. Set the sauce aside.
**4. Cook the Protein**
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your protein and cook until browned and cooked through. This should take about 4-5 minutes for chicken, 2-3 minutes for shrimp, or about 5-7 minutes for tofu, depending on the size of your pieces. Remove the protein from the pan and set it aside.
**5. Cook the Vegetables**
In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and toss in the garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant in color. You want them to have a bit of crunch, so be careful not to overcook.
**6. Add the Protein Back and Sauce**
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the protein back to the pan along with the sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the sauce evenly coats the protein and vegetables. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken and become glossy.
**7. Garnish and Serve**
Once the stir-fry is cooked, remove it from the heat and serve it immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired. This stir-fry is great on its own or served over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
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### Why This Stir-Fry Will Be Your New Favorite
This stir-fry is perfect for anyone who loves a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal. It’s packed with flavors from the savory soy sauce, the sweetness of hoisin, and a hint of sesame oil that makes everything come together perfectly. The vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrition, while the protein ensures that you feel full and satisfied.
The versatility of this recipe also makes it a standout. You can use any vegetables or protein you have on hand—so it’s an ideal meal for using up leftovers or whatever’s in the fridge. Whether you’re craving chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even a vegetarian stir-fry with extra veggies, this dish can be adjusted to fit any dietary preference or craving.
Plus, you can make it even quicker by prepping the ingredients in advance—making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal.
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### Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Stir-fries are best when cooked in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan causes the ingredients to steam instead of sear, which can affect the flavor and texture.
– **High Heat Is Key**: Stir-fries cook quickly at high heat. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding your ingredients to ensure that everything cooks evenly and maintains a crispy texture.
– **Cut Everything Evenly**: To ensure that everything cooks at the same rate, cut your vegetables and protein into uniform-sized pieces.
– **Add the Sauce at the End**: To avoid overcooking the sauce, add it at the very end of the stir-fry process, once your protein and vegetables are cooked to perfection.
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### Final Thoughts
If you love stir-fries, this is the recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, along with the quick cooking time, makes this meal a weeknight winner. Plus, you’ll never tire of it since it’s so customizable to your tastes.
So, next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner, give this stir-fry a try—you might just find yourself having it every day too!
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What’s your favorite type of stir-fry? Feel free to share your favorite variations, and let me know if you’d like more stir-fry ideas!
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