Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

Sizzling Veggie Delight: Zesty Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering vegetable stir fry recipe brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventure.

Woks sizzle with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients waiting to dance together.

Quick movements and high heat create magical moments of flavor transformation.

Crisp vegetables retain their nutritional punch while developing delightful caramelized edges.

Seasonal produce becomes the star of this simple yet spectacular dish.

Fragrant herbs and a perfectly balanced sauce turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Bold spices whisper excitement into every single bite you’ll savor.

Tasty Pairings for Vegetable Stir Fry

  • Pair this vibrant vegetable stir fry with jasmine rice for a perfect textural complement that absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
  • Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the stir fry's rich, umami flavors and refresh the palate.
  • Add grilled tofu or sliced chicken to transform the dish into a complete meal, providing extra protein and making the stir fry more satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
  • Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts or cashews on top to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender vegetables and creates an exciting mouthfeel.

Fun Variations for Vegetable Stir Fry

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace traditional vegetable mix with cauliflower rice, using broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers for a low-carbohydrate version that keeps the stir fry texture and flavor.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp during the vegetable cooking process to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal for fitness enthusiasts.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring the sauce remains gluten-free while maintaining the authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Vegan Friendly Version: Use plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan instead of animal proteins, and select a vegan-friendly hoisin sauce to create a completely plant-based stir fry that's rich in nutrients and flavor.

Why Make Vegetable Stir Fry

  • Swap or add any vegetables you have on hand, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable to your pantry's contents.
  • Loaded with colorful vegetables, this dish delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in every single bite.
  • Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with confidence.

What Goes Into Vegetable Stir Fry

Base Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides the cooking medium for sautéing and stir-frying with a neutral flavor.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic base that adds depth and warmth to the stir-fry.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Snap Peas, Carrots: Colorful mix of crisp vegetables that offer various textures and nutritional benefits.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor and saltiness to the dish.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy complexity to the stir-fry.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Optional ingredient to create a glossy, thick sauce that coats the vegetables.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add visual appeal and a mild, crisp finish to the stir-fry.

How to Cook Vegetable Stir Fry at Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Grab a skillet or wok and crank the heat to medium-high. Splash some vegetable oil and let it shimmer with energy.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Foundations

Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger. Swirl them around for a quick 30-second dance that releases their magical fragrance.

Step 3: Rainbow Vegetable Carnival

Add a vibrant mix of veggies:
  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli florets
  • Snap peas
  • Carrots

Stir and toss these colorful beauties for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and bursting with life.

Step 4: Sauce Magic Transformation

Pour in a flavor symphony:
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sesame oil

Swirl and coat every vegetable with this glossy, umami-packed liquid gold.

Step 5: Optional Sauce Thickening

For those loving a silky sauce, whisk cornstarch with water and drizzle into the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce hugs the vegetables.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Kill the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy finale. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Smart Tips for Vegetable Stir Fry Success

  • Customize Vegetable Selection: Choose colorful, crunchy vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower to add variety and nutrition to your stir fry.
  • Control Crispness Perfectly: Watch vegetables closely while cooking to maintain their bright colors and crisp texture; avoid overcooking by removing from heat when they're still slightly firm.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with additional seasonings like chili flakes, rice vinegar, or garlic chili sauce to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Prep Ahead for Speed: Cut all vegetables into uniform sizes before starting to cook, ensuring even cooking and saving time during the stir-frying process.
  • Make It Protein-Packed: Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp to transform this vegetable stir fry into a complete and satisfying meal for different dietary preferences.

Keeping Vegetable Stir Fry Fresh for Later

  • Store leftover vegetable stir fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm quickly in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain vegetable crispness. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to refresh flavors.
  • Avoid microwave reheating, which can make vegetables mushy. Skillet method helps retain original texture and taste.
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Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Veggie stir fry delivers a quick, nutritious Asian-inspired dance of flavors straight from your wok. Colorful seasonal vegetables mingle with savory seasonings, creating a perfect dish to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Cooking Oils and Sauces:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil

Thickening and Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water (optional, for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet or wok over robust heat, pouring in the vegetable oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger, quickly swirling them through the hot oil until their aromatic essence releases and the mixture turns golden and fragrant.
  3. Tumble in the vibrant medley of bell peppers, broccoli florets, crisp snap peas, and julienned carrots, tossing them energetically to ensure even exposure to the intense heat.
  4. Continue stirring the vegetables for approximately 4-5 minutes, maintaining their vivid colors and preserving a delightful crunch while allowing them to soften slightly.
  5. Drizzle soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil across the vegetables, using swift circular motions to distribute the glossy, umami-rich liquid evenly and coat each piece thoroughly.
  6. If desiring a more luxurious sauce consistency, sprinkle in the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and allow the sauce to transform into a silky, clingy coating.
  7. Once the sauce reaches a perfect glazed consistency and vegetables maintain their vibrant texture, remove the skillet from heat.
  8. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions across the top before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and create a professional-looking stir fry with consistent texture.
  • Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir frying moves quickly and requires immediate ingredient additions.
  • Use high heat and keep vegetables moving constantly to prevent burning and maintain a crisp, vibrant color.
  • For a protein boost, add tofu, chicken, or shrimp during the vegetable cooking stage without overcrowding the pan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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