Cheap Stir Fry Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Meals

Looking for a delicious, wholesome meal that won’t break the bank or your schedule? This cheap vegetarian stir fry recipe is exactly what you need!

Packed with vibrant veggies, simple pantry staples, and a savory sauce, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a quick and nutritious dinner any night of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, this stir fry delivers big on flavor without costing a fortune.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it perfect for using up those odds and ends in your fridge.

In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, satisfying dish full of texture and taste. Stir fry is one of the best ways to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables while keeping things light and healthy.

Don’t forget to serve it over rice or noodles to make it a complete meal. Ready to dive into this budget-friendly, veggie-packed delight?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly affordable—using mostly common, inexpensive vegetables and pantry staples.

Second, it’s quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s also highly customizable. You can easily swap out vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have available.

The simple sauce brings everything together with a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, enhancing the natural flavors of the veggies.

And of course, it’s vegetarian and can be made vegan with just a few tweaks, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. If you love recipes like this, you might also enjoy Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil works great)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
• 2 medium carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed (optional but adds protein)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness and depth)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large wok or non-stick skillet
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowl for sauce
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Instructions

1. Prepare your vegetables and tofu. Wash and slice all your vegetables as listed above. If using tofu, drain it well and cut into cubes.
2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
3. Heat the wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
4. Sauté the aromatics. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
5. Add onions and carrots. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still have some crunch.
6. Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms. Keep stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
7. Add tofu cubes (if using). Gently toss to combine and heat through.
8. Pour the sauce over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the vegetables.
9. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of salt if desired.
10. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t overcrowd the pan!” Stir frying works best when ingredients are cooked quickly over high heat with space to move around. If your pan is small, cook in batches to ensure everything gets nicely seared and not steamed.

You can easily swap out vegetables depending on seasonality and preference. Try adding zucchini, baby corn, water chestnuts, or kale for variety.

For extra protein, toss in some cooked chickpeas or edamame.

If you want to keep it soy-free, substitute tamari with coconut aminos and skip the tofu or replace it with roasted chickpeas.

For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.

Want to explore more tasty vegetarian meals? Check out these recipes:

• Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
• Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love
• Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry shines when served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, such as jasmine or brown rice for extra fiber. You can also enjoy it with noodles like soba, rice noodles, or even quinoa for a protein boost.

Pair it with a light cucumber salad or some quick pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, add a side of steamed dumplings or warm spring rolls.

If you love creamy sauces, try drizzling a bit of homemade or store-bought vegan bechamel sauce over the stir fry for an indulgent twist.

Conclusion

This cheap vegetarian stir fry recipe is a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. It’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and packs a satisfying punch of flavor and nutrition.

Using simple ingredients, you can create a colorful and healthy dish that pleases the whole family or your solo dinner needs. The best part?

Its flexibility means you can always adjust the veggies and seasonings to suit your taste or what you have available in your kitchen.

Try making this recipe tonight and enjoy a warm, comforting meal without the fuss or expense. Don’t forget to explore more flavorful vegetarian ideas like the ones found in our collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or satisfy your sweet tooth with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy cooking!

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