Cantonese Stir Fry Vegetables Recipe Easy and Delicious

Updated On: September 30, 2025

When it comes to quick, healthy, and flavorful meals, a vibrant Cantonese stir fry vegetables recipe stands out as a kitchen favorite. This classic dish highlights the art of stir-frying, where fresh, crisp vegetables are cooked on high heat to preserve their natural color, crunch, and nutrients.

The beauty of Cantonese cuisine lies in its simplicity and balance — minimal seasoning lets the fresh ingredients shine while the quick cooking method locks in texture and taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a rainbow of vegetables with a luscious, savory sauce. Perfect as a main dish or a colorful side, Cantonese stir fry vegetables bring a burst of freshness to your dinner table.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it easy to tailor to whatever veggies you have on hand. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious, nourishing dish in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cantonese stir fry vegetables recipe is a must-try because it’s fast, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. The stir-fry technique ensures the vegetables retain their crispness and vibrant colors, making each bite a delightful crunch.

It’s a perfect way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals without sacrificing taste.

The sauce is balanced with savory, slightly sweet, and umami notes, which enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Plus, this recipe is very adaptable — you can swap out or add any veggies you like, making it a great way to use up what’s in your fridge.

It’s also vegetarian-friendly and can easily be vegan if you use plant-based oyster sauce or soy sauce alternatives.

Whether served over steamed rice or alongside your favorite protein, this dish adds a fresh, colorful, and nutritious touch to any meal. For more vegetable inspiration, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and California Blend Veggies Recipes for Quick Healthy Meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 cup baby corn, halved
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Wok or large non-stick skillet
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Serving dish

Instructions

  1. Prepare your vegetables: Rinse all vegetables thoroughly. Cut broccoli into small florets, slice carrots diagonally, trim snow peas, slice mushrooms and bell pepper into strips, and chop green onions. This ensures quick and even cooking.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Heat the wok: Place your wok or skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Add the vegetables: Start by adding the firmer vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and baby corn. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, keeping the vegetables moving to prevent sticking.
  5. Add remaining vegetables: Toss in the bell pepper, snow peas, mushrooms, and green onions. Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
  6. Pour in the sauce: Give the sauce mixture a quick stir and drizzle it over the vegetables. Toss everything together quickly so the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Season to taste: Add salt and a pinch of white pepper, adjusting according to your preference.
  8. Serve immediately: Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh!

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: Keep your vegetables uniformly chopped to ensure even cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, and uneven pieces can lead to some veggies being overcooked while others remain underdone.

For a vegan twist, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom-flavored vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.

  • Mix up your veggies: Try adding baby bok choy, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots for extra texture.
  • Protein add-ons: Toss in tofu cubes, tempeh, or cooked shrimp for a heartier meal.
  • Spice it up: Add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sliced fresh chilies to give your stir fry a spicy kick.
  • Nutty flavor: Toasted cashews or peanuts sprinkled on top add delightful crunch and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving
Calories 150 kcal
Protein 4 grams
Carbohydrates 18 grams
Dietary Fiber 5 grams
Fat 7 grams
Sodium 600 mg
Vitamin A 80% DV
Vitamin C 90% DV

Serving Suggestions

This Cantonese stir fry vegetables dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside quinoa.

It also complements proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or seared fish beautifully. For a full traditional experience, add a bowl of hot and sour soup or steamed dumplings on the side.

Looking to expand your vegetable repertoire? You might love our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the comforting Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Conclusion

The Cantonese stir fry vegetables recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy a quick, nutrient-packed meal full of vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Its simplicity is what makes it so accessible, allowing even novice cooks to whip up a delicious and healthy dish in under 20 minutes.

With endless variations and the ability to customize based on your pantry, this stir fry can easily become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. The light yet savory sauce enhances the natural sweetness and crispness of the vegetables, making each bite a delightful experience.

Ready to try more vegetable-centric dishes? Explore our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for effortless cooking or dive into the sweet side with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Cantonese Stir Fry Vegetables

Description: A quick and healthy stir fry featuring a colorful mix of fresh vegetables in a savory Cantonese-style sauce. Perfect as a side dish or light main course.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup baby corn, halved
  • 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add broccoli, snow peas, bell pepper, carrot, baby corn, and mushrooms.
  4. Stir fry vegetables for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and vegetable broth in a small bowl.
  6. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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