Easy Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe (Quick, Healthy)
This easy Vegetable Stir Fry is a colorful, flavor-packed dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Loaded with fresh veggies and a yummy sauce, it’s a quick and tasty choice that’s as good-looking as it is good for you. Perfect for a healthy, speedy meal!
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I’ve been cooking vegetarian meals for 40 years, turning my kitchen into a playground for creating tasty, healthy dishes. This vegetarian stir fry is a standout – it’s simple, full of flavor, and suits everyone’s taste, whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan. I love making cooking easy and fun, and this recipe is a perfect example of that. Give it a try and taste the difference experience makes!
Why You Will Love Making This Vegetarian Stir Fry
Let’s take a look into why this vegetarian stir fry will become your new go-to recipe.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s straightforward and can be whipped up in no time, leaving more room for relaxation and less for stress in the kitchen.
- Health in a Bowl: Packed with a variety of veggies, this stir fry is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! This recipe is incredibly customizable, allowing you to mix and match with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.
- Perfect for All: Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to include more plant-based meals in your diet, this stir fry caters to all tastes and dietary preferences.
- A Feast for the Senses: The vibrant colors and aromatic spices make this dish a true feast for the senses. Each bite is a delightful experience of different textures and flavors.
- Leftovers are delish: If you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully, making for an effortless and tasty meal the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make A Vegetable Stir Fry with Step-By-Step Instructions
Creating this mouthwatering vegetarian stir fry is a breeze. Let’s walk through the steps together, so you can have a delicious meal in no time!
Preparing the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This blend is the secret to the rich flavor of your stir fry, so make sure it’s well combined. If you’re a fan of garlic or ginger, feel free to add 1/2 a teaspoon of each!
Cooking the Vegetables
Begin by slicing all your veggies – broccolini, red, green, and yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onion. Remember, the size and shape of your veggies can change the texture of the dish, so slice them according to your preference.
Next, heat your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in your sliced veggies. Sauté them for about 7 minutes, or until they’re tender but still have a nice crunch. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Bringing It All Together
Now, pour the prepared sauce over the veggies. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce starts to thicken. This usually takes a couple of minutes. The sauce will coat the vegetables, creating a glossy and flavorful glaze.
Garnish & Serve
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the stir fry from heat. Sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds over the top for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Serve it hot, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips and notes to make sure your vegetarian stir fry turns out just perfect. Keep these in mind, and you’re all set for a fantastic cooking experience!
- Heat is Key: Make sure your wok or pan is nice and hot before adding the veggies. This helps in getting that nice sear and keeps the vegetables crisp.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Stir fries are super adaptable! Some vegetables we love in stir fries are broccoli, carrots, zucchini, snap peas, snow peas, and bean sprouts!
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch. For a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch slightly.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, don’t shy away from adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add Veggie Protein: Feel free to add tofu, tempeh, beans, or even nuts for added protein.
- Meal prep: This stir fry tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Make a double batch and enjoy it for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe? Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Just remember they might release more water than fresh veggies, so your cooking time may vary slightly.
How to Store Leftover Vegetarian Stir Fry
Leftovers on hand? Great! Properly storing your vegetarian stir fry means you get to enjoy this yummy dish another time. Let me show you the right way to do it.
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the stir fry to cool to room temperature before storing, and then use airtight containers to store the leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Once the stir fry has cooled, place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the stir fry in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave. Just heat until it’s warm throughout – overcooking can make the veggies mushy.
What to Serve with a Vegetarian Stir Fry
Pairing the perfect side with your vegetarian stir fry can turn a simple meal into a feast. Here are some ideas to complement the flavors and textures of your stir fry.
Choose the Right Base
Classic choices like steamed Cilantro-Lime Rice, jasmine, and brown rice work wonderfully with stir fry. If you’re in the mood for noodles, try soba, udon, or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist. For a healthier alternative, quinoa or couscous can be great options. They’re light yet filling and soak up the sauce nicely.
Add a Protein
Tofu or tempeh are fantastic for adding a protein boost to your meal. Pan-fry them for a crispy texture and add them to the stir fry or serve on the side. For a twist, try adding cooked beans or lentils. They’re nutritious and pair well with the stir-fry flavors.
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
Offer Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, soy sauce, chili oil, or Sriracha for those who like to customize their dish’s flavor intensity. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or even peanuts for an extra nutty flavor.
More Healthy Asian-Inspired Recipes You Will Love
- Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
- Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
- Thai Red Curry Recipe
- Vegetable Bhuna
- Vegetable Thai Yellow Curry
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to know! Please leave a 5-star review below (it really helps!) and tag and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!
Easy Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe (Quick, Healthy)
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 bunch broccolini 7-8 sticks
- ½ red bell pepper
- ½ green bell pepper
- ½ yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1 green onion
- 1 tablespoon sesame seed
Instructions
- Mix all the sauce ingredients.¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Slice all the veggies. Heat a wok to medium-high and add the sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the veggies and sauté until they are a bit soft but still crunchy (about 7 minutes).2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 bunch broccolini, ½ red bell pepper, ½ green bell pepper, ½ yellow bell pepper, 1 cup mushrooms
- Add the sauce and cook for a couple more minutes, moving constantly until it starts to thicken.
- Serve with green onions and sesame seeds.1 green onion, 1 tablespoon sesame seed
Notes
- Heat is Key: Make sure your wok or pan is nice and hot before adding the veggies. This helps in getting that nice sear and keeps the vegetables crisp.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Stir fries are super adaptable!
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch. For a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch slightly.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, don’t shy away from adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add Veggie Protein: Feel free to add tofu, tempeh, beans, or even nuts for added protein.
- Meal prep: This stir fry tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Make a double batch and enjoy it for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe? Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Just remember they might release more water than fresh veggies, so your cooking time may vary slightly.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool & Airtight: Allow the stir fry to cool to room temperature before storing, and then use airtight containers to store the leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Once the stir fry has cooled, place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the stir fry in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave. Just heat until it’s warm throughout – overcooking can make the veggies mushy.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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We cooked the vegetable stir fry last night. It was very easy to prepare and the recipe straight forward. Within no time at all the kitchen was smelling scrumptious and we couldn’t wait to get stuck in. The dish didn’t let us down! It was absolutely delicious! We will be keeping a close eye on new recipes and can’t wait to try some of the other vegan options. Thoroughly recommend this one though…
We are really pleased that you enjoyed the stir fry! It’s one of our favourites too. Thanks for taking the time to post, it’s always wonderful to hear that you are enjoying the recipes. Keep cooking!
In my experience, stir-fry recipes fall into 1 of 3 categories: too salty; too sweet; or too spicy.
This recipe isn’t any of those.
I’m paranoid about food sticking to the pan, so I blitzed all of the sauce ingredients in a blender ahead of time. It worked a treat, because I was able to keep everything moving in the pan rather than stopping (however slowly) to add a sauce ingredient. One word of warning: my pre-blitz method means the sauce thicks within seconds, so make sure your ingredients are cooked, because they’ll be coming out of that pan real soon.
Another winning recipe from Splash of Taste!
That’s a great idea to blitz the sauce ingredients and like you say, you need to be ready to move quickly once you’ve added it. We’re so -leased that you are enjoying our recipes and thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated.
I made this veggie stir fry for my family last week, and it turned out great! I paired it with some crispy tofu. The sauce was great, thank you!