Description
Buddha’s Delight, also known as Lo Han Jai, is a quick and wholesome vegetarian Chinese stir-fry traditionally enjoyed during Lunar New Year. This 15-minute recipe brings together symbolic ingredients like napa cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, tofu, and baby corn in a savory soy-based sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal that carries the spirit and flavors of the classic dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Protein
- 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
Liquids & Sauce
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
- 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: Chop all vegetables such as napa cabbage, bok choy, and carrots, cube the tofu, and mince garlic to have everything ready before cooking, as this stir-fry cooks very quickly.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Carrots and Mushrooms: Add sliced carrots and mushrooms to the pan first as they take longer to cook. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Remaining Vegetables and Tofu: Add chopped napa cabbage, bok choy, snow peas, canned baby corn, and cubed tofu. Stir-fry everything together for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add Broth and Sauce: Pour in ¼ cup vegetable broth or water along with soy sauce, optional hoisin sauce, sugar, and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes while stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top for aroma and taste. Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For quicker prep, use pre-cut stir-fry vegetables.
- Substitute canned straw mushrooms or bamboo shoots if shiitake mushrooms aren’t available.
- Omit hoisin sauce for a lighter, more authentic traditional flavor.
- Traditional Lo Han Jai commonly includes dried shiitake mushrooms, wood ear fungus, dried lily buds, bean curd sticks, and glass noodles, which can be added for authenticity.
