When it comes to quick, nutritious, and flavorful meals, this Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry checks all the boxes. The combination of tender, vibrant broccoli, crunchy walnuts, and a savory sauce creates a dish that’s satisfying and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy weeknight dinner, this stir fry offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple to prepare yet feels like a treat.

I first discovered this dish when I was looking for a way to get my family to eat more vegetables without making it feel like a chore. Broccoli is one of those vegetables that can sometimes be overlooked, but when paired with toasted walnuts and a savory stir-fry sauce, it becomes something everyone can enjoy. “This is so good!” my husband said after his first bite, and my kids couldn’t stop reaching for seconds. Since then, it’s become a regular in our dinner rotation.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily switch up the nuts or add other vegetables based on what you have on hand. Plus, the flavor profile can be adjusted to suit your taste – whether you like it a little sweeter, spicier, or more savory. This stir fry takes minimal prep time and delivers big on flavor.

Why This Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Easy: This stir fry comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with the goodness of broccoli, walnuts, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.
• Versatile: You can swap out the walnuts for other nuts like almonds or cashews, and add in other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
• Perfectly Balanced: The combination of crunchy walnuts and tender broccoli makes for a satisfying meal that’s both light and filling.

What You Need for Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional).

How to Make Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Remove the walnuts from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
In the same pan, add the olive oil (or sesame oil) and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant green. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the broccoli is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) to the pan. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and optional sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the cooked broccoli and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.

Step 5: Add the Walnuts
Add the toasted walnuts back into the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve this stir fry over rice, noodles, or on its own as a side dish.

Tips for Perfect Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry

• Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir fry and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even snow peas for extra color and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Toast the Walnuts Carefully: Be cautious not to burn the walnuts while toasting them. Stir frequently and remove them from the pan once they’re golden brown and fragrant.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Nuts: You can substitute the walnuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different flavor and texture.
• Make it Vegan: If you want to make this dish vegan, simply swap out the honey for maple syrup and use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce.
• Add Protein: To make this dish a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

Closing for Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry

This Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to eat something light but satisfying. The combination of crisp broccoli, crunchy walnuts, and the savory sauce makes it a well-rounded dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a side or a main, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try next time you want a tasty and nutritious meal on the table in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking, as excess moisture can affect the texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This stir fry is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and toast the walnuts in advance. Simply reheat the broccoli and toss it with the sauce and walnuts before serving.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. You can also add some leafy greens like spinach or kale.

How can I make the stir fry spicier?
To make the stir fry spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add some sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of sriracha sauce.

Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use almonds, cashews, or pecans as alternatives to walnuts. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Can I use a different oil?
You can use any oil you prefer, but sesame oil gives this dish an authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, olive oil is a great substitute.

Can I use other types of nuts besides walnuts?
Yes! While walnuts work great in this stir fry, you can substitute them with almonds, cashews, pecans, or even pine nuts. Each will bring a different texture and flavor to the dish.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to double-check that the other ingredients you’re using, such as the rice vinegar, are gluten-free as well.

How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the stir fry more filling, serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also add protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a complete meal.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it in the stir fry.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat to avoid overcooking the broccoli.

Can I add a different type of sauce to the stir fry?
Certainly! If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can try using a hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or even a sweet and sour sauce instead of the one in the recipe. Just be mindful of the flavors and balance them according to your taste.

Can I use frozen walnuts?
Yes, you can use frozen walnuts, but make sure to toast them properly to bring out their flavor. Simply thaw and dry them out before adding them to the stir fry.

Can I freeze the stir fry?
While the broccoli and walnuts are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stir fry. However, the texture of the broccoli may change upon thawing, so it’s best to freeze it without the sauce and walnuts, then reassemble and stir-fry again.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier without red pepper flakes?
Yes! You can add fresh sliced chili peppers, a dash of chili paste, or some sriracha sauce to increase the heat level of the stir fry.

Can I add a different protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu to the stir fry to make it a more substantial main dish.

This Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying bold, delicious flavors. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Easy Walnut Broccoli Stir Fry

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (optional)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
• Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Remove the walnuts from the pan and set them aside.
• Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
• In the same pan, add the olive oil (or sesame oil) and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant green. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
• Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
• Once the broccoli is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) to the pan. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
• Step 4: Make the Sauce
• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and optional sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the cooked broccoli and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
• Step 5: Add the Walnuts
• Add the toasted walnuts back into the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 6: Serve
• Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve this stir fry over rice, noodles, or on its own as a side dish.