Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch mixture, sugar, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Set the sauce aside. |
Cook the Protein (if using):Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. If using tofu or meat, add it to the hot oil and stir-fry until it's cooked through and browned. Remove the protein from the skillet and set it aside. |
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. You can adjust the cooking time based on your preference for the level of crunchiness. |
Combine Protein and Sauce: If you cooked tofu or meat earlier, return it to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu/meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. |
Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes. It will thicken and become glossy. Continue stirring to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients. |
Serve: Serve the vegetable stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with additional black pepper or chopped green onions if desired. |