If you’ve ever wanted a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, wholesome textures, and a tantalizing harmony of flavors, let me introduce you to the 15-Minute Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) Stir-Fry Recipe. This dish is a beautiful celebration of fresh vegetables and traditional ingredients that come together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Lo Han Jai is not only nourishing but steeped in symbolism and history, and with this quick-to-make version, you can enjoy its comforting, savory magic anytime without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this stir-fry lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role in creating layers of texture and flavor. From crisp snow peas to the earthy mushrooms, every bite is a delightful mix of crunchy, tender, and savory sensations.
- 1 tbsp neutral oil or sesame oil: The base for stir-frying, sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that’s instantly inviting.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with warmth and depth, releasing fragrant oils when sautéed.
- 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped: Offers a mild sweetness and a satisfying crisp to balance the mix.
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped: Adds freshness and a tender crunch that brightens the dish.
- ½ cup carrots, thinly sliced: Bring bright color and a gentle earthiness to every bite.
- ½ cup snow peas: Their sweet snap is a refreshing contrast in the medley.
- ½ cup mushrooms (shiitake preferred): Earthy umami flavor that grounds the stir-fry beautifully.
- ½ cup firm tofu, cubed: A protein-packed addition that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- ½ cup canned baby corn: Adds a subtle crunch and slight sweetness to balance savory notes.
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or water: Helps create a luscious sauce that marries the ingredients.
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity, but you can skip it for a more traditional taste.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances savory and enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- ½ tsp sesame oil: A finishing touch for that irresistible nutty aroma.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water: This slurry thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
How to Make 15-Minute Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping all your vegetables and cubing the tofu so everything is ready to go — this dish cooks fast, so good prep will keep you on track. Mince the garlic finely to release maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Harder Vegetables
Heat the oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the garlic and stir quickly for about 20 to 30 seconds until it fills the kitchen with that inviting aroma. Then add the carrots and mushrooms since they need a little longer to soften, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes while stirring continuously.
Step 3: Add the Leafy Greens and Softer Veggies
Now’s the time to mix in the napa cabbage, bok choy, snow peas, baby corn, and tofu. These ingredients require less cooking time, so stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still vibrant and crisp.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Thicken
Pour in the vegetable broth and your pre-mixed soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil blend. Stir everything well to coat the veggies and tofu with flavor. Drizzle in the cornstarch slurry, stirring steadily as it cooks for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and slightly thickened, wrapping everything in a savory glaze.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Before serving, add a final drizzle of sesame oil to elevate the aroma. Serve your Buddha’s Delight piping hot over steamed rice or alongside delicate rice noodles for a complete meal bursting with color and character.
How to Serve 15-Minute Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh chopped scallions adds both visual appeal and a lovely textural contrast. A few red chili flakes can bring a nice gentle heat if you like a touch of spice without overpowering the dish’s delicate balance.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice for added heartiness. You can also serve it alongside vegetable spring rolls or a light miso soup to round out the meal with additional layers of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving your Buddha’s Delight in individual bowls lined with lettuce leaves or atop a bed of fresh spinach. This not only adds an elegant touch but introduces a fresh leafy crunch that complements the savory stir-fry.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover stir-fry into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it makes a fantastic next-day lunch. Just be mindful that the vegetables will soften further with time.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, tofu and delicate greens can lose their texture once thawed. If you choose to freeze, store in a tightly sealed container and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your Buddha’s Delight in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too but stir mid-way to ensure even warming. Avoid overheating to preserve the fresh taste.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Buddha’s Delight recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand like broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy. The beauty of the 15-Minute Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) Stir-Fry Recipe lies in its flexibility.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, just opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adjust for special diets without losing flavor.
How can I make this stir-fry more substantial?
Adding extra tofu, edamame, or even some cooked quinoa can boost protein content and make this meal even more filling while keeping it vegetarian.
Why is it called Buddha’s Delight or Lo Han Jai?
The dish is named after the Buddhist arhats, symbolic holy figures. Traditionally served for Lunar New Year, it features a variety of healthy, symbolic ingredients meant to bring luck and prosperity.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be whisked together up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This helps speed up your cooking process, perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) Stir-Fry Recipe is a celebration of vibrant veggies, savory sauce, and quick, satisfying cooking that anyone can enjoy. It’s a dish that carries the warmth of tradition yet is effortlessly modern, perfect for sharing with loved ones any day of the week. Give it a try—you’ll find it becoming a favorite in your meal rotation in no time!
Print
15-Minute Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2–3
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buddha’s Delight (Lo Han Jai) is a classic Chinese vegetarian stir-fry traditionally served during Lunar New Year celebrations. This quick 15-minute recipe combines a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, and flavorful sauces to create a wholesome, symbolic dish inspired by Buddhist cuisine. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and subtle flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Tofu
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- ½ cup carrots, thinly sliced
- ½ cup snow peas
- ½ cup mushrooms (shiitake preferred)
- ½ cup firm tofu, cubed
- ½ cup canned baby corn
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash, chop, and slice all vegetables and cube the tofu before starting, as this stir-fry cooks very quickly.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic: Warm the neutral or sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Harder Vegetables: Add sliced carrots and mushrooms to the pan since they require longer cooking time. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add Remaining Vegetables and Tofu: Incorporate napa cabbage, bok choy, snow peas, canned baby corn, and cubed tofu. Stir-fry together for another 3–4 minutes until all vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Broth and Sauce Mixture: Pour in the vegetable broth or water along with soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine flavors evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Cook for 1–2 minutes more, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a little extra sesame oil over the stir-fry for aroma and richness. Serve hot immediately over steamed rice or rice noodles.
Notes
- For quicker preparation, use pre-cut stir-fry vegetables.
- Canned straw mushrooms or bamboo shoots are great alternative additions or replacements.
- Omit hoisin sauce for a lighter and more traditional flavor.
- Authentic Buddha’s Delight may also include dried shiitake mushrooms, wood ear fungus, dried lily buds, bean curd sticks, and glass noodles for more complexity.
