Stir-frying vegetables is one of the quickest and healthiest ways to prepare a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and vibrant colors. Whether you’re a busy professional, a health-conscious eater, or someone who loves experimenting with fresh ingredients, this veggie stir fry recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
With the perfect balance of crunchy, tender, and savory, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking and served as a main or a side. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it both economical and nutritious.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet mouthwatering veggie stir fry recipe that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. From choosing the right ingredients and equipment to tips on achieving the perfect stir fry texture, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
Ready to bring some sizzle to your dinner table? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veggie stir fry recipe is a winner for many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly quick to make, taking less than 20 minutes from prep to plate.
The high-heat cooking locks in the crispness and nutrients of the vegetables, while the savory sauce brings out their natural sweetness. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite veggies or add a protein like tofu or tempeh.
Best of all, it’s a wholesome, low-calorie meal that supports a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you want a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a colorful side dish, this stir fry fits the bill. Plus, the easy cleanup and minimal equipment make it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal prep.
If you’re interested in exploring other vibrant vegetable dishes, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for inspiration.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, or sesame oil works well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet
- Sharp chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl to combine sauce ingredients
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Serving bowl or plate
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables: Wash and dry all the veggies. Slice the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, mushrooms, and green onions. Trim the snap peas and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Make the stir fry sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Set aside. If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and keep it ready.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Add firmer vegetables: Toss in the broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp.
- Add softer vegetables: Add the bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and green onions. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the sauce: Add the prepared sauce to the wok along with the red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Thicken if desired: If you want a thicker sauce, pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir quickly until the sauce thickens and glazes the veggies.
- Season and finish: Taste your stir fry and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat immediately to preserve the crunch of the vegetables.
- Serve hot: Transfer your veggie stir fry to a serving bowl or plate. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For the best stir fry, make sure your veggies are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Also, keep your wok very hot to get that perfect sear and crunch.”
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add or substitute with your favorites like baby corn, bok choy, kale, or green beans.
- Protein addition: To make it a complete meal, add cubed tofu, tempeh, or cooked chickpeas.
- Spice it up: Add chili garlic sauce or fresh sliced chilies for extra heat.
- Nutty crunch: Toss in roasted cashews or peanuts just before serving.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This veggie stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a wholesome meal. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside zucchini noodles.
You can also add a side of Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes if you’re craving something rich, or enjoy it with a light soup like our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
For a fun twist, wrap your stir fry in lettuce leaves or rice paper for a fresh, hand-held meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added brightness.
Conclusion
This veggie stir fry recipe is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and nourishing dish. Its versatility and ease make it ideal for busy evenings or when you want a quick, healthy meal.
By experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings, you can keep this recipe exciting and tailored to your taste preferences.
Not only does it provide a rainbow of nutrients, but it also helps you eat more plant-based meals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to explore more creative vegetable dishes like our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or try baking something sweet with the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Happy cooking and enjoy every vibrant, delicious bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Stir Fry Recipe Veggie
Description: A quick and healthy vegetable stir fry packed with fresh veggies and a savory sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add onion, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot; stir fry for 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stir to combine.
- Add cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 20 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Stir Fry Recipe Veggie”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and healthy vegetable stir fry packed with fresh veggies and a savory sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 yellow bell pepper, sliced”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 cup snap peas”, “1 medium carrot, thinly sliced”, “1 small onion, sliced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced”, “3 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger, saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot; stir fry for 5-6 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stir to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “9 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}