Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Need dinner on the table in no time and on a budget? This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is for you! It’s full of flavor, ready in under 30 minutes and a 100% kid-approved recipe that we make time and time again! Why I Love This Recipe The Ingredients *For a full list of ingredients…

The post Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry appeared first on Weelicious.

Need dinner on the table in no time and on a budget? This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is for you! It’s full of flavor, ready in under 30 minutes and a 100% kid-approved recipe that we make time and time again!

Beef and broccoli served over white rice in red bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Just like my Orange Chicken and Mu Shu Chicken recipes, this 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table ASAP.
  • Family Favorite: This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is one of our go-to weeknight meals that everyone in the family LOVES. Stir fry recipes are such a crowd pleaser!
  • Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey creates a delicious balance of savory and sweet.
  • Healthier Than Takeout: Making beef and broccoli at home means you can control the ingredients that go into the dish creating a healthier version of your favorite takeout dinner.

The Ingredients

Beef and broccoli ingredients.
  • Soy Sauce: This is the base of our sauce, giving that salty umami flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • Honey: A hint of sweetness to balance out the salty soy sauce.
  • Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics are essential for a flavorful stir fry.
  • Corn Starch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to the beef and broccoli.
  • Beef: I love using sirloin, but flank, skirt, or tri-tip work well too!
  • Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli adds the perfect crunch and loads of nutrients to this dish.
  • Vegetable Oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking, ensuring your beef sears beautifully.

*For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein Swap: Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Veggie Boost: You can easily add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color, nutrients and texture.
  • Low-Sodium Option: If you want to reduce the salt content, use low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Skirt steak marinating in clear plastic bag.

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic and ginger. Place the beef in a Ziploc bag (or glass bowl). Pour in half of the sauce mixture to coat the beef. Marinate for either 20 minutes on the counter or covered overnight in the fridge.

Corn starch slurry in small glass bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the cornstarch and water together and add to the remaining sauce mixture.

Steak cooking in sauté pan.

Step 3: Heat a wok or large sauté pan over high heat, add 2 teaspoons oil and add the beef. Cook for 4 minutes and remove beef to a clean bowl.

Broccoli in sauté pan.

Step 4: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan and cook the broccoli for 2 minutes.

Beef and broccoli in sauté pan.

Step 5: Add the beef back into the pan. Make a well in the center and pour in the sauce. Cook until the sauce is thick and everything is heated through, about 2 minutes.

Beef and broccoli served over white rice.

Step 7: Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice or noodles.

Tip and Tricks

  • Cut the Beef Against the Grain: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
  • Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want the broccoli to remain crisp-tender, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
  • Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your wok or pan is nice and hot before adding the beef. This will give it that beautiful sear.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in beef and broccoli stir fry? 

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this recipe. Cook until it’s tender but still crisp not overcooked and mushy.

How do I store leftover beef and broccoli?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in a pan or the microwave.

What should I serve with beef and broccoli stir fry?

Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice, but this stir fry is also delicious with noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

What cut of beef is best for beef and broccoli stir fry?

Flank steak is the best cut for beef and broccoli stir fry due to its tenderness and flavor when sliced thin. Sirloin, skirt steak, and tri-tip are also great options for quick cooking and rich taste.

Beef and broccoli stir fry on white serving platter.

More Quick and Easy Dinners

This easy stir fry dish is one of those go-to meals you’ll find yourself making on repeat! With its bold flavors and ease of preparation, beef and broccoli is sure to become a family favorite. Let me know what you think of this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below!

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Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Need dinner on the table in no time and on a budget? Then this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is for you!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 390kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (i like to use toasted)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 pound boneless sirloin, tri tip, flank or skirt steak (sliced into 2 x 1/2 inch strips)
  • 1 package (14 ounces) frozen or fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 teaspoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic and ginger.
  • Place the beef in a Ziploc bag (or glass bowl), pouring in half of the sauce mixture to coat the beef. Marinate for either 20 minutes on the counter or covered overnight in the fridge.
  • Whisk the cornstarch and water together and add to the remaining sauce mixture.
  • Heat a wok or large sauté pan over high heat, add 2 teaspoons oil and add the beef. Cook for 4 minutes and remove beef to a clean bowl.
  • Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan and cook the broccoli for 2 minutes.
  • Add the beef back into the pan. Make a well in the center and pour in the sauce. Cook until the sauce is thick and everything is heated through, about 2 minutes.
  • Serve over brown rice.

Video

Notes

  • Cut the Beef Against the Grain: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
  • Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want the broccoli to remain crisp-tender, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
  • Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your wok or pan is nice and hot before adding the beef. This will give it that beautiful sear.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a sauté pan or microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1280mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

The post Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry appeared first on Weelicious.

Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad is a potluck favorite! This easy salad has crisp cabbage and ramen noodles tossed together in a simple sweet Asian vinaigrette! Top with sunflower seeds or toasted almonds for a delicious nutty crunch!

Ramen Noodle Salad is a potluck favorite! This easy salad has crisp cabbage and ramen noodles tossed together in a simple sweet Asian vinaigrette! Top with sunflower seeds or toasted almonds for a delicious nutty crunch!

Honey Garlic Chicken

This saucy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick & easy recipe with lots of chicken and an irresistible sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce.

The post Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

After a busy day I love being able to whip up a quick dinner meal like this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. I almost always have all of the ingredients at home and saucy chicken recipes happen to be my family’s favorite! This dish includes lots of tender chicken that gets covered in a super delicious sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce. It’s simple enough to make for lunch or dinner, and is so good you might get a special request to make it every week!

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken in a skillet.

Ingredients For Honey Garlic Chicken

It doesn’t take much to make this easy honey garlic chicken recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but if your budget is tight, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour adds a little bit of texture to the chicken.
  • Butter and Garlic: A good amount of garlic is sautéed in butter which infuses the sauce with lots of garlicky flavor.
  • The Sauce: This yummy honey garlic sauce is what brings the entire dish together. It includes honey for sweetness, soy sauce for some umami flavor, rice vinegar to balance the sweetness of the honey, sriracha for a little kick, toasted sesame oil, and a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Recipe Tips!

  1. Make the sauce first. This recipe cooks pretty fast, so you want the sauce to be ready when it’s time to add it to the skillet.
  2. Don’t overcook the chicken. Since the chicken is being cut into smaller bite-sized pieces, it won’t take them long to cook. 
  3. Don’t crowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in 2 separate batches if you need to.

Serving Suggestions

I served this honey garlic chicken with a side of white rice and some sliced green onions on top. But you can also enjoy it with brown rice, vegetable fried rice or even cauliflower rice. Sautéed green beans or a side of this sesame cucumber salad would also taste great!

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken on a plate with white rice and a black fork.
Overhead view of honey garlic chicken on a plate with white rice and a black fork.
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Honey Garlic Chicken

This saucy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick & easy recipe with lots of chicken and an irresistible sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.58 recipe / $2.39 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 347kcal

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey $1.08
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce $0.14
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar $0.10
  • 1 tsp sriracha $0.05
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil $0.20
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.05

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts $6.49
  • 1 tsp salt $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.04
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.48
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.27
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced $0.32
  • 2 green onions, sliced $0.24

Instructions

  • Start by making the sauce. Combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into small 1/2 inch sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Then toss the chicken pieces in the flour until each piece is evenly coated.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of oil. Swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add half of the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil and repeat with cooking the 2nd batch of chicken until cooked through. Set all of the chicken aside.
  • In the same skillet add the butter and lower the heat down to medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and saute for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Next give the sauce another brief stir, then pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Stir the sauce and scrape up any browned bits that are stuck at the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the cornstarch to activate and thicken the sauce.
  • Now add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir with the sauce until all of the pieces are evenly coated. Continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the chicken to heat through.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, top with sliced green onions, and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 1225mg | Fiber: 1g
Side close up view of honey garlic chicken in a skillet.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken – Step by Step Photos

The sauce for honey garlic chicken.

Start by making the sauce. Combine the 1/3 cup honey, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.

Chicken pieces lightly tossed in flour.

Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/2 inch sized pieces. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Then toss the chicken pieces in 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour until each piece is evenly coated.

Cooked chicken pieces in a skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of oil. Swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add half of the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil and repeat with cooking the 2nd batch of chicken until cooked through. Set all of the chicken aside.

Butter and garlic in a skillet

In the same skillet add 2 Tbsp of butter and lower the heat down to medium-low heat. Add four minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

Honey garlic chicken sauce being added to skillet

Next give the sauce another brief stir, then pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Stir the sauce and scrape up any browned bits that are stuck at the bottom of the skillet.

Sauce reduced in a skillet.

Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the cornstarch to activate and thicken the sauce.

Cooked chicken added to the sauce in the skillet.

Now add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir with the honey garlic sauce until all of the pieces are evenly coated. Continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the chicken to heat through.

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken in a skillet.

Remove the skillet from the heat and top with sliced green onions. Enjoy with fluffy white or brown rice!

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken on a plate with white rice and a black fork.

The post Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Beef and Broccoli

Perfect Chinese-inspired Beef and Broccoli, made right in your own kitchen! Tender strips of beef and broccoli florets are tossed in a simple sweet and spicy homemade sauce for the perfect weeknight meal. 

Perfect Chinese-inspired Beef and Broccoli, made right in your own kitchen! Tender strips of beef and broccoli florets are tossed in a simple sweet and spicy homemade sauce for the perfect weeknight meal. 

Air Fryer Tofu

If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great.

The post Air Fryer Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This budget-friendly protein-packed tofu is begging to be the center of attention at your dinner table. If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, or you’ve been on the tofu train for a long time, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great. I toss extra firm tofu in a simple soy sauce marinade and then drizzle with honey, sesame seeds, and green onions after it’s crisped up in the air fryer. The texture comes out perfect and the flavor profile is an easy hit with tofu experts and novices alike!

air fryer tofu on a white plate with a bowl of sweet chili dipping sauce.

I remember when my relationship with tofu first started about 20 years ago. Tofu could be found in a big bucket of water in the bottom of a cooler at the health food store, and I had to fish it out with tongs. I remember thinking, “What IS this stuff?!” The various options for firm, extra firm, soft, or silken were hard to come by back then, but now tofu is experiencing a much-deserved Renaissance!

You can find tofu everywhere– and the variety! (Swoon.) Already marinated, soft, extra firm, cut into chicken-like shapes, you name it. Even your local Walmart or Aldi probably has it. We don’t have to break the bank at luxury grocery stores to find it any longer and thank goodness that container full of tofu and water is a thing of the past.

What is Air Fryer Tofu?

Delightfully crispy on the outside with a delightfully chewy center, this Air Fryer Tofu is good enough to convert anyone into a tofu lover. The freezing step of the tofu is one you won’t want to skip! It gives it a dense texture that holds up great with all kinds of sauces. I attempted many different recipes for Air Fryer Tofu, trying to keep things as easy and inexpensive as possible. This recipe yielded the best result every time!

You can add whatever herbs or seasonings you like to this recipe, but the soy sauce and sesame oil are keepers; they add umami and savory notes to otherwise bland tofu. Tofu is so versatile and easy to add flavor to with whatever marinade ingredients you like best.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make crispy air fryer tofu:

  • Extra Firm Tofu: This type of tofu holds up best to air frying. It holds its shape well, and it has a chewier texture than firm or regular tofu.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds tons of umami flavor to the tofu.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nuttiness to the tofu and helps it brown in the air fryer.
  • Cornstarch: Absorbs excess moisture to create a super crispy coating. My recipe calls for much less than other recipes I have seen and this helps the texture big time!
  • Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness!
  • Sesame Seeds: Add a great crunch to the tofu.
  • Green Onion: Adds a pop of fresh onion flavor.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to serve this crispy air fryer tofu is over this delicious coconut rice! The slightly sweet and nutty flavor pairs so well with the savory, crispy tofu! For dipping, I love this sweet chili sauce (pictured) or homemade sweet and sour sauce.

Tips and Notes

  • Extra firm or super firm tofu works best. Firm tofu will also work, but the texture won’t be quite as dense. I do not recommend regular or silken tofu for this recipe, as neither holds up well.
  • Don’t skip freezing the tofu! It creates a denser, spongier texture that has a meatier chew.
  • If you like your tofu crunchier (and less chewy), you can press it between clean kitchen towels using a tofu press, a stack of books, or a heavy pan for 30-60 minutes to remove excess moisture.
overhead view of air fryer tofu in an air fryer basket.
air fryer tofu on a white plate with a bowl of sweet chili dipping sauce.
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Air Fryer Tofu

If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Total Cost ($3.02 recipe / $1.51 serving)
Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 2 (1/2 block or 8 oz. of tofu per serving)
Calories 234kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. extra firm tofu $1.69
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce $0.59
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil $0.33
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.06
  • 1 tsp honey $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp sesame seeds $0.14
  • 1 green onion, sliced $0.16

Instructions

  • Pat dry and freeze 1 block of extra firm tofu for 1 hour, minimum.* Remove the tofu from the freezer and allow it to thaw to the point where it can be cut with a knife.
  • Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gather soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
  • Toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, lightly dust the dressed tofu with cornstarch, tossing or stirring until each piece is lightly covered.
  • Transfer to an air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • Garnish with a drizzle of honey, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of white rice.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I did not press my tofu for this recipe, but you can if you would like it to be more crunchy and less chewy.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5block | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1765mg | Fiber: 1g
overhead view of air fryer tofu with sweet chili dipping sauce on a white plate.

how to make Air Fryer Tofu – step by step photos

comparing frozen and thawed tofu (left) to refrigerated tofu (right).

Pat dry and freeze 1 (16-oz.) block of extra firm tofu for 1 hour, minimum.* Remove the tofu from the freezer and allow it to thaw to the point where it can be cut with a knife. (Notice the difference in texture with the frozen tofu on the left and the unfrozen on the right.)

diced tofu next to bowls of sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch on a cutting board.

Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gather 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch.

pouring cornstarch over diced tofu in a white bowl.

Toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, lightly dust the dressed tofu with cornstarch, tossing or stirring until each piece is lightly covered.

tofu cubes in an air fryer basket.

Transfer to an air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

cooked crispy tofu cubes in an air fryer basket.

Garnish with 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp sesame seeds, and 1 sliced green onion. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of white rice.

dipping a cube of air fryer tofu in sweet chili dipping sauce with chopsticks.

Wonderfully chewy and crisp, this air fryer tofu is sure to be a hit!

The post Air Fryer Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Fresh Kimchi Spring Rolls

These creamy, tangy, and spicy kimchi spring rolls are the ultimate cold appetizer for any party or potluck!

The post Fresh Kimchi Spring Rolls appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When I opened my former restaurant, AVO, in Nashville, I knew this Kimchi Spring Roll appetizer would make it onto the menu. Not only did it make it onto the menu (and it’s still on the menu with a new chef at the helm and under new ownership!) but it was our best-selling item. The flavor balancing act is perfectly executed in the kimchi filling, so if you follow this recipe to a T, you will be the star at the next book club or potluck you attend, I promise!

overhead view of kimchi spring rolls on a platter with a bowl of sauce in the middle.

What Are FRESH KIMCHI SPRING Rolls?

This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re typically a fan of kimchi or not. Who doesn’t love a fresh spring roll?! The spicy, tangy, creamy filling in a soft wrapping is a great bite to share when you have company over and the filling alone makes a great healthy topping on salad in place of the same old tuna salad. The flavors and textures balance so perfectly in this one.

My original recipe uses raw cashews instead of peanuts, but subbing the peanuts totally worked; they are a great budget-friendly substitute. The sauce packs a flavor punch as well but lets the kimchi filling really shine. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. This one’s near and dear to my little veggie-loving heart!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these fresh kimchi spring rolls:

  • Dipping Sauce: A sweet, savory, and tangy combination of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, green onion, garlic, and fresh ginger.
  • Kimchi: This gut-friendly, probiotic-packed superfood is tangy, spicy, and a little bit sour. Opt for a mild kimchi if you’re not a fan of spice.
  • Peanuts: Roasted unsalted peanuts work perfectly in place of my original cashews to create a thick and creamy filling.
  • Peanut Butter: Enhances the peanut flavor and helps create a creamy filling.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spiciness and richness of the filling.
  • Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a hint of nuttiness to the filling.
  • Veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber make up the fresh and crunchy veggie filling of these spring rolls.
  • Lettuce: Green leaf lettuce helps create a barrier between the saucy filling and the spring roll wrappers.
  • Spring Roll Wrappers: Also called “rice paper wrappers,” these light and translucent wrappers are dry and firm until you soak them. Then, they become pliable and will stay chewy and soft.

What’s the Difference Between A SPRING ROLL, A SUMMER ROLL, and An Egg Roll?

While all these tasty bites are wrapped and rolled, spring rolls may be fresh, baked, or deep fried, where summer rolls are always served cold. An egg roll is a variation on a spring roll that is made with dough that has been enriched with eggs, typically fried. Technically, these fresh kimchi spring rolls could also called a summer roll. They are so refreshing!

Summer Roll Tips

  • You don’t need to use all of the spring roll wrappers… just keep rolling until all filling ingredients are gone!
  • Don’t overfill your spring rolls. Trying to pack in too much filling will surely make a mess!
  • Try to make a bed with the veggies and lettuce for the kimchi filling to lay on top of so your rice paper can firm up.
  • They are less likely to tear if the finished spring rolls touch if you sprinkle some sesame seeds on the sides. The rice paper remains sticky for a few minutes after rolling.
  • The spring rolls don’t keep particularly well for more than a day, but any extra kimchi filling and veggies will take any salad to the next level!
holding a kimchi spring roll to show the filling.
overhead view of kimchi spring rolls on a platter with a bowl of sauce in the middle.
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Fresh Kimchi Spring Rolls

These creamy, tangy, and fresh kimchi spring rolls are the ultimate chilled appetizer for any party or potluck!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Total Cost $15.26 recipe / $1.90 serving
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 (1 spring roll each)
Calories 377kcal

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce $0.26
  • 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar $1.44
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil $0.32
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha $0.25
  • 1 minced green onion $0.10
  • 1 minced garlic clove $0.05
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated $0.15

Summer Roll Veggies + Kimchi Filling:

  • 1 cup kimchi $2.99
  • 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts $1.24
  • 2 Tbsp peanut butter $0.12
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup $0.31
  • 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil $0.64
  • 2 bell peppers, julienned $2.96
  • 2 carrots, julienned $0.18
  • 1 cucumber, seeded and julienned $0.82
  • 1 head green leaf lettuce, cut into 2-inch pieces $1.97

To assemble:

  • 1 package spring roll rice paper wrappers $1.46

Instructions

  • Combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, grated ginger, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Whisk together and stream sesame oil in very slowly while whisking to emulsify. Stir in green onions and set dipping sauce aside.
  • Add kimchi, peanuts, peanut butter, maple, and toasted sesame oil to a food processor.
  • Pulse until a thick, chunky, well-combined paste forms. Texture is a good thing, so don’t process it to the point of being smooth. Set aside in the fridge.
  • Julienne bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, and cut green leaf lettuce into 2 inch pieces.
  • Fill a shallow cookie sheet with warm water next to a clean cutting board or other suitable, clean work surface.
  • Dip the edible spring roll wrapper in the shallow warm water until soft and pliable, but not overly mushy.
  • Transfer to your clean work surface and carefully fill the spring roll wrapper with lettuce on the bottom, a 1-2 Tablespoon scoop of kimchi filling in the middle, a few julienned veggies and another piece of lettuce on top.**
  • Gently wrap each spring roll, tucking in the sides to keep all of the filling from falling out.
  • Sprinkle each spring roll with sesame seeds (optional, but they add a nice texture and help keep the finished rolls from sticking together and tearing.)
  • Repeat steps 5-8 until all of your filling is used up.
  • Serve fresh kimchi spring rolls cut in half with dipping sauce. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If you are vegan, make sure to check that the kimchi you are buying does not list fish as an ingredient. If you are not vegan, no worries!
**Don’t let the kimchi filling touch the spring roll paper. It won’t firm up and is more likely to tear or stay mushy. You want the spring roll/rice paper wrapper to firm up as the finished spring rolls sit out for a bit.

Nutrition

Serving: 1summer roll | Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 1008mg | Fiber: 4g
side view of kimchi spring rolls on a platter with a bowl of sauce in the middle.

how to make FRESH Kimchi SPRING Rolls – step by step photos

dipping sauce in a white bowl.

Combine the 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar, 1 Tbsp sriracha, 1 inch of peeled and grated ginger, and 1 minced clove of garlic in a mixing bowl. Whisk together and stream 1 Tbsp sesame oil in very slowly while whisking to emulsify. Stir in 1 minced green onion and set dipping sauce aside.

kimchi, peanuts, peanut butter, and oil in a food processor.

Add 1 cup kimchi, 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, 2 Tbsp peanut butter, 1 Tbsp maple, and 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil to a food processor.

kimchi filling in a food processor.

Pulse until a thick, chunky, well-combined paste forms. Texture is a good thing, so don’t process it to the point of being smooth. Set aside in the fridge.

julienned veggies and lettuce on a cutting board.

Julienne 2 bell peppers, 2 carrots, 1 cucumber, and cut 1 head of green leaf lettuce into 2-inch pieces.

dipping rice paper in water.

Fill a shallow cookie sheet with warm water next to a clean cutting board or other suitable, clean work surface. Dip the edible spring roll wrapper in the shallow warm water until soft and pliable, but not overly mushy.

filling a rice paper wrapper with kimchi and veggies.

Then, fill the spring roll wrapper with lettuce on the bottom, a 1-2 Tablespoon scoop of kimchi filling in the middle, a few julienned veggies and another piece of lettuce on top.*

rolling a kimchi spring roll.

Gently wrap each spring roll, tucking in the sides to keep all of the filling from falling out.

kimchi spring rolls on a cutting board.

Sprinkle each spring roll with sesame seeds (optional, but they add a nice texture and help keep the summer rolls from sticking together and tearing.) Repeat steps 5-8 until all of your filling is used up. Serve spring rolls cut in half with dipping sauce. Enjoy!

dipping a kimchi spring roll into a vat of sauce in the center of a platter.

These fresh kimchi spring rolls were a smash hit at AVO for a reason, and I’m confident this budget-friendly version will be a hit for you at home as well!

The post Fresh Kimchi Spring Rolls appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Crispy Tofu & Eggplant Lettuce Wraps

Tofu and eggplant just teamed up to create one EPIC appetizer, friends! These lettuce wraps feature SUPER flavorful crispy tofu and caramelized eggplant with fresh, crunchy veggies, vibrant herbs, and a savory-sweet sesame dipping sauce. If you’re thin…

Crispy Tofu & Eggplant Lettuce Wraps

Tofu and eggplant just teamed up to create one EPIC appetizer, friends! These lettuce wraps feature SUPER flavorful crispy tofu and caramelized eggplant with fresh, crunchy veggies, vibrant herbs, and a savory-sweet sesame dipping sauce. If you’re thinking WOW now, just wait until the first bite!

These 10-ingredient flavor miracles make a crowd-pleasing appetizer for four or light spring or summer meal for two. Let’s get to it!

We’ve done tofu lettuce wraps before, but this time eggplant joins in on the fun!

Crispy Tofu & Eggplant Lettuce Wraps from Minimalist Baker →

Chicken Fried Rice

Make delicious, ultra-flavorful chicken fried rice that tastes even better than takeout– and costs less too.

The post Chicken Fried Rice appeared first on Budget Bytes.

We’re all guilty of ordering Chinese takeout on a desperate night. But with this Chicken Fried Rice recipe, you won’t have to resort to that any longer! Make delicious, ultra-flavorful chicken fried rice that tastes even better than takeout– and costs less too. Easily stretch leftover rice and a single chicken breast into a budget-friendly and satisfying meal the whole family will love!

overhead view of chicken fried rice in a frying pan.

What is Chicken Fried Rice?

Chicken fried rice is a Chinese dish made with cooked rice that is stir-fried in a wok with chicken, vegetables, and eggs, and seasoned with a savory sauce. It’s extremely flexible and budget-friendly, which is why we love this dish! The recipe below is an American adaptation, using a skillet instead of a wok and ingredients that are easily sourced in most American grocery stores. If you are vegetarian, you can make this without the chicken, or try our Vegetable Fried Rice recipe!

Do I Need a Wok?

This recipe is designed to be made easily in a regular pan; however, we highly recommend using a nonstick pan over stainless steel. We found in testing that some of the eggs stuck to the bottom of the stainless steel pan and burned, adding an unpleasant flavor to the whole dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make chicken fried rice:

  • Chicken Breast: You’ll need 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2/3 lb.) for this recipe.
  • Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a warm and nutty flavor, while cooking oil (we like canola or vegetable) helps everything cook without burning.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds rich, salty, umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
  • Garlic: Creates a savory and earthy base of flavor.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger will create the best flavor, but paste or powder will also work.
  • Vegetables: We used green onions, carrot, red bell pepper, and frozen peas.
  • Eggs: Scrambled eggs help stretch this recipe, adding extra protein and healthy fats.
  • Cooked and Cooled Rice: To avoid clumpy or gummy fried rice, use rice that has been previously cooked and completely cooled.

What Else Can I Put In Chicken Fried Rice?

If you have any leftover veggies from previous dinners, you can chop them up and toss them in this tasty chicken fried rice. It’s also easy to grab a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans) to save on prep time!

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftover chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat with a little bit of water added to rehydrate the rice. You can also sprinkle some water over individual portions and microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

chopsticks grabbing chicken fried rice from a black plate.
chopsticks grabbing a bite of chicken fried rice from a black plate.
Print

Chicken Fried Rice

Make delicious, ultra-flavorful chicken fried rice that tastes even better than takeout– and costs less too.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Total Cost ($4.74 recipe / $1.19 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 500kcal
Author Jess Rice

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.16
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger $0.10
  • 3 green onions, sliced $0.30
  • 1 carrot, diced small $0.16
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced $1.50
  • 1 cup frozen peas $0.50
  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast $2.62
  • 2 large eggs $0.46
  • 3 Tbsp cooking oil, divided $0.13
  • 3 Tbsp toasted sesame oil $0.96
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce $0.15
  • 3 cups cooked and cooled rice $0.62

Instructions

  • Prepare the vegetables beforehand so they’re ready to go when needed. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, dice the carrot and bell pepper, slice the green onions (separate the green ends from the white ends), and measure the frozen peas.
  • On a separate, clean cutting board, cut your chicken into ½ inch pieces so you get a little in every bite. Set aside (and wash your hands!)
  • Lightly whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface. Add the eggs and gently scramble until cooked through. Transfer the cooked eggs to a clean bowl or plate off to the side.
  • Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the diced carrots, stir, and cook for about two minutes. Next, add the bell pepper and the white firm ends of the green onions. Cook and stir for one minute more. Finally, add the frozen peas and stir and cook until heated through. Transfer the vegetables to a clean bowl or plate.
  • Add the remaining 1 Tbsp cooking oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the surface. Add the ½ inch pieces of chicken and completely cook through, about 4 minutes. Once the chicken is about ½ of the way cooked through (2-3 minutes), add the garlic and ginger and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Then, add the cooked and cooled rice to the skillet. Stir and cook the chicken and rice together for about 2 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. Pour the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over the rice. Stir the rice and sauce together until evenly combined. Turn the heat off.
  • Add the eggs and vegetables back to the skillet with the chicken and rice and stir to combine. Allow the residual heat to heat everything through. Top with the remaining green ends of the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust the soy sauce or sesame oil to your liking.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 875mg | Fiber: 4g
close-up overhead view of chicken fried rice in a frying pan.

how to make Chicken Fried Rice – step by step photos

chopped vegetables for chicken fried rice on a cutting board.

Prepare the vegetables beforehand so they’re ready to go when needed. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, dice the carrot and bell pepper, slice the green onions (separate the green ends from the white ends), and measure the frozen peas.

cubed chicken on an orange cutting board.

On a separate, clean cutting board, cut your chicken into ½ inch pieces so you get a little in every bite. Set aside (and wash your hands!)

cooked scrambled eggs in a frying pan.

Lightly whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface. Add the eggs and gently scramble until cooked through. Transfer the cooked eggs to a clean bowl or plate off to the side.

diced vegetables in a frying pan.

Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the diced carrots, stir, and cook for about two minutes. Next, add the bell pepper and the white firm ends of the green onions. Cook and stir for one minute more. Finally, add the frozen peas and stir and cook until heated through. Transfer the vegetables to a clean bowl or plate.

cooked cubed chicken in a frying pan.

Add the remaining 1 Tbsp cooking oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the surface. Add the ½ inch pieces of chicken and completely cook through, about 4 minutes. Once the chicken is about ½ of the way cooked through (2-3 minutes), add the 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tsp ginger and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

pouring soy sauce over cooked rice in a frying pan.

Then, add the cooked and cooled rice to the skillet. Stir and cook the chicken and rice together for about 2 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. Pour the 3 Tbsp soy sauce and 3 Tbsp toasted sesame oil over the rice. Stir the rice and sauce together until evenly combined. Turn the heat off.

sprinkling salt over chicken fried rice in a frying pan.

Add the eggs and vegetables back to the skillet with the chicken and rice and stir to combine. Allow the residual heat to heat everything through. Top with the remaining green ends of the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust the soy sauce or sesame oil to your liking.

chopsticks grabbing a bite of chicken fried rice from a black plate.

This flavorful chicken fried rice is so much better than takeout!

The post Chicken Fried Rice appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)

Welcome to another minimal effort, BIG flavor dish! This quicker-than-takeout sesame tofu is baked to crispy perfection and coated in a drool-worthy, sweet + spicy + garlicky sauce. It might have you questioning whether you’ll ever be ordering takeout …

Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)

Welcome to another minimal effort, BIG flavor dish! This quicker-than-takeout sesame tofu is baked to crispy perfection and coated in a drool-worthy, sweet + spicy + garlicky sauce. It might have you questioning whether you’ll ever be ordering takeout again!

Pair with rice and steamed veggies for a simple, 30-minute meal that’s vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened. Let’s make it!

Recipe Inspiration

This recipe is inspired by Sesame Chicken, which is commonly found in Chinese restaurants in the US and Canada (source).

Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!) from Minimalist Baker →

Sesame Sautéed Swiss Chard

Introducing our new favorite way to get our greens in: sautéed Swiss chard seasoned with garlic, sesame, and tamari. These greens are flavorful, tender, and restaurant-quality yet so EASY to make! Just 1 pan, 5 ingredients, and 15 minutes required.
Thi…

Sesame Sautéed Swiss Chard

Introducing our new favorite way to get our greens in: sautéed Swiss chard seasoned with garlic, sesame, and tamari. These greens are flavorful, tender, and restaurant-quality yet so EASY to make! Just 1 pan, 5 ingredients, and 15 minutes required.

This versatile, nutrient-packed side pairs well with Asian-inspired entrées and makes a simple meal with rice + your choice of protein. Let’s make crave-worthy greens!

Sesame Sautéed Swiss Chard from Minimalist Baker →