Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick, colorful, and healthy dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes. Loaded with crisp-tender veggies and coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, it’s perfect as a standalone meal or a side. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something wholesome and satisfying.
ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
broccoli floretscarrotsbell peppers (red, yellow, or green)snap peas or snow peaszucchinired oniongarlicgingersoy saucesesame oilolive oilrice vinegar or lime juicebrown sugar or honeycornstarch (for thickening)watergreen onions (for garnish)sesame seeds (optional)
directions
Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar or honey, and cornstarch with a little water to create the stir fry sauce. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add harder vegetables first (like carrots and broccoli) and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
Add remaining vegetables and stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes, until crisp-tender.
Pour in the sauce and stir well to coat the vegetables.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is glossy and well combined.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3–4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 8–10 minutesTotal time: 18–20 minutes
Variations
Add tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for protein.
Include mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy for variety.
Spice it up with chili flakes or sriracha.
Serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to refresh the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just cook a little longer and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent sogginess.
Is this vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan unless you add animal-based proteins.
Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely—chop veggies and mix sauce in advance for a quick cook time.
How do I keep veggies crisp?
Cook on high heat and don’t overcook. Stir-frying quickly keeps them crisp-tender.
What kind of oil is best?
Use oils with high smoke points like olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil for flavor.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, especially if serving over rice or noodles—extra sauce is great for soaking in.
Conclusion
Vegetable Stir Fry is a vibrant, customizable, and healthy meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Packed with nutrients and full of flavor, it’s perfect for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand. Serve it with your favorite grain or protein for a balanced, plant-forward meal that never gets boring.
PrintVegetable Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vegetable stir fry is quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Loaded with crisp, colorful veggies and tossed in a simple homemade stir fry sauce, it’s perfect as a light main dish or a tasty side. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying plant-based meal!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 cup snow peas or snap peas
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1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
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1/2 red onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
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1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/3 cup water
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Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame oil or sriracha for added flavor or spice
Instructions
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and optional sesame oil or sriracha. Set aside.
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Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add all the chopped vegetables. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
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Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the veggies.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
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Customize with any veggies you like: mushrooms, zucchini, green beans, or baby corn all work great.
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Want more protein? Add tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken.
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Top with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed peanuts for extra flavor and crunch.
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