Stir fry dishes are a cornerstone of Asian cuisine, loved worldwide for their vibrant flavors, colorful vegetables, and quick preparation time. Using frozen vegetables in your stir fry is a fantastic way to save time without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or simply someone who wants a hassle-free meal, this Asian stir fry recipe with frozen vegetables is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a delicious stir fry that’s packed with crisp-tender veggies and savory sauce, all made in under 20 minutes. Plus, you’ll learn tips on how to customize your stir fry with different proteins or sauces, making it a meal that can be enjoyed time and again.
Ready to bring a burst of Asian flavors to your table with minimal effort? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Asian stir fry recipe with frozen vegetables is a game changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Frozen vegetables retain most of their nutritional value and save you the hassle of chopping and prepping. Plus, this recipe is highly adaptable—whether you want to add tofu, chicken, beef, or keep it plant-based, it’s all possible.
The sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and packs a punch of umami flavor that perfectly complements the veggies. It’s also a great way to practice cooking techniques like stir frying, which locks in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) frozen mixed Asian vegetables (e.g., broccoli, snap peas, carrots, baby corn, bell peppers)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil with a high smoke point)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Equipment
- Large wok or deep skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl (for mixing sauce)
- Knife and cutting board (for garlic, ginger, and green onions)
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add frozen vegetables: Toss in the frozen mixed vegetables directly from the bag. Stir continuously to break up any clumps and to promote even thawing and cooking. Stir fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the sauce: Give your prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it evenly over the vegetables. Toss to coat every piece in the savory mixture.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to recombine, then add it to the wok. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables nicely.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and crunch.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles of your choice. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
Tips & Variations
“Frozen vegetables are a fantastic shortcut, but to keep your stir fry crisp and flavorful, avoid overcrowding the pan and keep the heat high.”
– Protein Add-Ins: Add tofu, shrimp, chicken strips, or beef slices. Cook your protein first, then set aside while cooking vegetables, and combine at the end.
– Sauce Variations: Swap oyster sauce for hoisin or black bean sauce for different flavor profiles. For a spicy kick, add chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
– Vegetable Choices: Feel free to mix in fresh mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or baby bok choy along with frozen veggies for extra variety.
– Serving Options: Try serving your stir fry over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or toss with cooked noodles for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Sodium | 900 mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on protein additions and specific brands of sauces used.
Serving Suggestions
This Asian stir fry pairs beautifully with classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice. For a heartier meal, try it with brown rice or rice noodles.
For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. You can also enjoy it wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Complement your meal with a side of Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, or a simple miso soup to keep things light and balanced.
Conclusion
This Asian stir fry recipe using frozen vegetables is an excellent example of how easy it can be to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal with minimal effort and time. Frozen veggies are a pantry staple that unlock convenience without sacrificing nutrition or taste.
Whether you’re new to stir frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a flexible foundation that you can customize endlessly.
With fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic, a savory sauce, and the crisp texture of mixed vegetables, you get a vibrant dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to explore other exciting vegetable recipes such as Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or indulge your sweet tooth with a Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert.
Ready to stir up your kitchen with ease? This recipe is your delicious, quick gateway to Asian flavors any day of the week.
📖 Recipe Card: Asian Stir Fry with Frozen Vegetables
Description: A quick and easy Asian stir fry using frozen vegetables for convenience. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal packed with flavor.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups frozen mixed Asian vegetables
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onions and bell peppers; stir fry for 2 minutes.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables; cook for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Add cornstarch mixture; cook until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if using and toss to combine.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 22 g
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