Miso Vegetable Stir Fry

Miso Vegetable Stir Fry is a succulent meal in a single dish. Also you can remove the Pork to have a memorable vegetarian meal. This is easy to prepare and exceedingly tasty. When most people think of stir fry, they think Chinese but the Japanese cuisine is a great user of the cooking process. When you can produce a whole meal for 2 people within 20 minutes has to be good. The fast cooking means the vegetables are lovely and soft whilst retaining their colour, texture and flavour. Removing the Pork makes this vegetarian but you can use other meats such as chicken, beef and lamb or any other left overs you have.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to transform a handful of everyday vegetables and a few slices of pork into a dish that’s both comforting and brimming with flavour, Miso Vegetable Stir Fry is an absolute revelation. At first glance, it might seem like a simple weekday dinner, but the combination of ingredients and the gentle layering of flavours elevate it far beyond the ordinary. This dish is a beautiful example of how Japanese-inspired cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be utterly satisfying.

The star of this stir fry is undoubtedly the aubergine. When chopped into bite-sized pieces and cooked briefly in sesame oil, it develops a silky texture that absorbs the richness of the miso and the subtle sweetness from the sugar. Carrots bring a satisfying crunch and a touch of natural sweetness, while green peppers add freshness and a slight bitterness that balances the overall taste. The pork, sliced thinly so that it cooks quickly, provides a savoury backbone without overwhelming the vegetables.

The method is wonderfully simple yet thoughtful. By cooking the pork first and seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper, you give it a chance to develop its own flavour before it mingles with the vegetables. This also means that when the aubergine and carrots hit the pan, they aren’t competing with the meat for space or cooking time—they each have their moment to soften and release their aromas. Bringing the pork back into the pan with the green peppers at the last minute ensures that everything is just tender, with a slight snap from the peppers that keeps the texture exciting.

Miso paste is where the magic truly happens. Just a teaspoon is enough to add that distinctive umami punch, enhancing the natural flavours of the vegetables and the pork without ever feeling heavy. The cooking sake lifts the dish, adding a faintly sweet, slightly tangy note that rounds off the umami perfectly. And let’s not overlook sesame oil, that fragrant, nutty elixir that warms the entire dish with its aroma and brings a subtle depth that you wouldn’t get from a neutral oil. Even a pinch of sugar works wonders here, balancing the miso’s saltiness and the slight bitterness of the green peppers.

What I love most about Miso Vegetable Stir Fry is how adaptable it is. While this version uses pork, it works beautifully with chicken, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. You can swap in any firm vegetables you have on hand, from courgettes to snap peas, and the miso will still provide that irresistible savoury note that makes the dish feel complete. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests who think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Beyond taste, there’s something comforting about the rhythm of stir frying itself—the gentle sizzle of vegetables hitting hot oil, the way the colours remain vibrant while the flavours meld, and that final glossy sheen when the miso and sake are stirred through. Miso Vegetable Stir Fry is more than just a meal; it’s a lesson in the beauty of simple ingredients treated with care. It’s proof that with a little attention and the right seasoning, humble ingredients can become something truly special.

If you haven’t tried this dish yet, consider it a culinary hug on a plate: nourishing, flavourful, and beautifully balanced. It’s a versatile, quick, and utterly satisfying way to bring a touch of Japanese-inspired cooking into your everyday meals without needing to be a professional chef. Once you’ve made it, I guarantee it will become a regular feature in your dinner rotation, each bite warming both stomach and soul.

Miso Vegetable Stir Fry is a celebration of simplicity, flavour, and the sheer joy of cooking with fresh ingredients—an approachable, satisfying dish that proves great food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Miso Vegetable Stir Fry

Miso Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick and satisfying dish that combines tender pork with crisp vegetables like aubergine, carrots, and green peppers, all coated in a savoury miso glaze. The subtle sweetness of sugar and the nutty aroma of sesame oil balance the umami richness of the miso, creating a harmonious and flavourful meal. Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, it’s a versatile dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

4.79 from 97 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: Far East, Miso Vegetable Stir Fry, Pork, Stir Fry, Vegetables

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 469kcal

Equipment

• Wok Medium
• Chopping Board
• 2 Serving Dishes

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• ▢ 1 large aubergine
• ▢ 2 medium green pepper
• ▢ 2 large carrot
• ▢ 200 g pork thinly sliced
• ▢ 1 tsp miso
• ▢ 1 tsp sugar to taste
• ▢ 2 tbsp cooking sake
• ▢ 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ▢ 1 pinch salt to taste
• ▢ 1 pinch pepper to taste

Instructions

• Chop aubergine, green pepper and carrot into bite-size pieces.
  1 large aubergine, 2 medium green pepper, 2 large carrot
• Warm sesame oil in a frying pan. Stir fry pork over a medium heat for approx. 5 minutes, or until it just changes colour.
  1 tbsp sesame oil, 200 g pork
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper and leave to one side.
  1 pinch salt, 1 pinch pepper
• In the same pan, stir fry carrot and aubergine for approx. 3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
• Add pork back as well as green pepper and stir fry for a further 1-2 minutes.
• Add miso paste, sugar, and cooking sake. Stir through before serving
  1 tsp miso, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp cooking sake

Nutrition

Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 1261mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 12531IU | Vitamin C: 106mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg