Puerto Rican Vegan Stir-Fry Infused with Traditional Adobo and Sazón Flavors

Puerto Rican Vegan Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, there lies a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that can be beautifully adapted to vegan cooking. Here, we’ll transform a traditional stir-fry into a vibrant, plant-based dish that honors the island’s culinary heritage.

The Magic of Puerto Rican Flavors

Puerto Rican cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, thanks to the trio of Adobo, Sazón, and Sofrito. These blends are the backbone of traditional cooking and add a depth and authenticity that is hard to replicate.

• Adobo: A versatile dry rub that enhances and tenderizes proteins and vegetables with its bold, savory flavor.
• Sazón: A spice mix that adds a golden-red color and earthy flavor to dishes, often used in rice, stews, and soups.
• Sofrito: An aromatic base made from fresh herbs and vegetables, used to start many dishes, including rice, beans, and stews.

Puerto Rican Vegan Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 cup TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) – easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico
  • Alternatively, you can use firm tofu or tempeh, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced and halved or quartered
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped into large chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh minced ginger
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 1/2 cup vegan no-chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup agave
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Adobo (see below for homemade Adobo recipe)
• 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Sazón (optional, for added color and flavor)

Homemade Adobo Recipe:

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the TVP:

   • If using TVP, rehydrate it by soaking it in 3 cups of water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Adobo:

   • Mix all Adobo ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Store any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 6 months.

3. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, water, agave, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Add the Adobo and Sazón (if using) and mix well.

4. Cook the Stir-Fry:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the TVP (or tofu/tempeh) and cook until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
   • Add the zucchini, broccoli, carrot, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

5. Combine and Season:

   • Return the TVP (or tofu/tempeh) to the skillet. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and stir to combine.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
   • Season with a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors and enhance the health benefits.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Cultural Significance and Tips

• Sofrito: While not used directly in this stir-fry, Sofrito is a fundamental component of many Puerto Rican dishes. Consider sautéing some Sofrito in oil before adding other ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.
• TVP: This is a great alternative to meat and is widely available and affordable in Puerto Rico.
• Adobo and Sazón: These spice blends are essential for authentic Puerto Rican flavor. Use them liberally to enhance your dishes.

This Puerto Rican Vegan Stir-Fry is a celebration of the island’s rich culinary heritage, adapted to fit a plant-based lifestyle. With its vibrant colors, aromatic flavors, and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, take a culinary journey to Puerto Rico, and savor the flavors that make this island’s cuisine so unique.

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