Sautéed Kale and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright kale and earthy mushrooms quickly stir-fried with garlic and ginger, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a simple Asian-inspired side. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs sliced shiitake mushrooms, minced garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and edges slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 6 cups chopped kale leaves and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking for 3-4 minutes until kale wilts but remains vibrant green.
  5. Step 5: Pour 2 tbsp soy sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Add 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using, stirring for 1 minute until the sauce lightly glazes the vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. Serve hot as a side or over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Kale and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Kale and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced shiitake mushrooms from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Kale and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Kale and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Kale and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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