America’s Test Kitchen Stir Fry Vegetables Recipe Made Easy

Stir-frying vegetables is one of the quickest and healthiest ways to enjoy a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal. America’s Test Kitchen has perfected a stir fry vegetables recipe that balances crisp-tender veggies with a flavorful sauce, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal.

This recipe emphasizes the right technique, timing, and seasoning to ensure every bite bursts with freshness and umami. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to stir-frying, this approach will elevate your veggie game with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to master this classic stir fry. Plus, you’ll find tips, variations, and nutrition facts to customize and enjoy this dish to the fullest.

Ready to bring some sizzle to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry vegetables recipe from America’s Test Kitchen stands out because it perfectly balances taste and nutrition. It’s designed for optimal texture, ensuring your vegetables stay crisp but cooked through.

The sauce is made from simple pantry staples but packs a punch of savory and slightly sweet flavor that enhances rather than overpowers the veggies.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can use whatever vegetables are in season or in your fridge, making it a fantastic way to reduce waste and eat healthily.

Plus, it cooks up in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for fast, nutritious meals.

If you love other flavorful vegetable dishes, don’t forget to check out Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (neutral oil with high smoke point, like canola or grapeseed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 4 scallions, sliced diagonally
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Instructions

1. Prep all vegetables: Wash and dry the veggies thoroughly. Julienne the bell pepper, slice the carrot thinly, trim the snap peas, cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, slice the mushrooms, and slice scallions diagonally. Mince garlic and grate ginger.
2. Heat the wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let the oil heat until shimmering but not smoking.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
4. Add denser vegetables first: Toss in the broccoli florets and sliced carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
5. Add remaining vegetables: Add bell pepper, snap peas, mushrooms, and scallions to the wok. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly for even cooking.
6. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the vegetables, tossing to coat everything evenly.
7. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry once more and drizzle it into the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats the veggies.
8. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish immediately to keep vegetables crisp and vibrant.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, make sure your vegetables are cut into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Keep your wok very hot and stir constantly to prevent steaming.”

Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to swap or add zucchini, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bok choy for different textures and flavors.

Protein options: Add tofu cubes, shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken breast for a heartier meal.

Make it vegan: Replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce. Avoid any animal-based ingredients for a fully plant-based dish.

Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce for heat.

Check out Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a delicious creamy twist on vegetable dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry vegetables recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it over quinoa or noodles for variety.

For an easy weeknight dinner, add your choice of protein and serve with a side of spring rolls or dumplings. For lighter meals, enjoy it as a colorful side dish alongside grilled tofu or tempeh.

Looking for more wholesome vegetable-centric dishes? Try our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for delicious options.

Conclusion

America’s Test Kitchen stir fry vegetables recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques can create a delicious, healthy meal in minutes. This recipe is not only flexible but also allows you to enjoy the natural flavors and textures of fresh vegetables enhanced by a savory sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that fits any occasion.

With the tips and variations provided, you can customize this stir fry to match your taste preferences and dietary needs. Remember, the key is cooking over high heat with constant stirring to keep vegetables crisp and vibrant.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or proteins to keep this recipe exciting every time you make it. For more vegetable-focused recipes, explore our collection and keep savoring healthy, tasty meals!

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