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
Scale
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.
