Mushroom and Pepper Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

Mushroom and Pepper Stir-Fry with Rice is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the sweetness of bell peppers. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that deliver a rich, satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish offers a great balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. The combination of tender mushrooms, crunchy peppers, and a tangy-sweet sauce over fluffy rice makes it a comforting and delicious choice for any meal.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

  • Rice: 150 grams (3/4 cup)
  • Water: 450 ml (1 3/4 cups)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 g)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • Mushrooms: 400 grams (14 oz), sliced
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Onion: 1 medium (about 100 g), chopped
  • Bell peppers: 2 (1 red and 1 yellow) (about 200 g), diced
  • Chili pepper: 1/2 piece, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 g)
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
  • Ketchup: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
  • Parsley: A bunch, chopped
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Rice

  1. Rinse the Rice: Place 150 grams (3/4 cup) of rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
  2. Boil the Water: In a medium-sized pot, bring 450 ml (1 3/4 cups) of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt to season the water.
  3. Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
  4. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain any excess water and fluff the rice with a fork. Set it aside and keep it warm while preparing the stir-fry.

Step 2: Preparing the Stir-Fry

  1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the mushrooms to achieve a good sear.
  2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms (400 g) to the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes or until they develop a golden-brown crust, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This will enhance their flavor and texture.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion (100 g), diced bell peppers (200 g), and finely chopped chili pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. The onions should turn translucent, and the peppers should retain a slight crunch.
  4. Add Garlic and Sauce Ingredients: Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of sugar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ketchup. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.
  5. Simmer for Flavor: Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, creating a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce.
  6. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. The stir-fry should have a balanced taste of savory, tangy, and sweet.
  7. Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in a generous amount of chopped parsley to add a fresh, herbal note to the dish.

Step 3: Serve the Dish

  1. Plate the Rice: Serve a portion of the cooked rice on each plate.
  2. Top with Stir-Fry: Spoon the mushroom and pepper stir-fry over the rice. Make sure to get a good mix of vegetables and sauce in each serving.
  3. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Servings: 2
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Vitamin A: 2000 IU
  • Vitamin C: 70 mg
  • Calcium: 40 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

Tips for the Perfect Mushroom and Pepper Stir-Fry

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, especially mushrooms and peppers, will provide the best texture and flavor. Select mushrooms that are firm and unblemished.
  • Control the Heat: Adjust the chili pepper and the amount of soy sauce to match your desired spice level and saltiness.
  • Enhance with Extras: For added protein, consider tossing in some tofu, chicken strips, or shrimp.
  • Serve with Garnishes: Consider garnishing with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for an additional layer of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Mushroom and Pepper Stir-Fry with Rice! This recipe is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering a healthy and tasty meal that can be prepared in no time.