Best-Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry Recipe

Name: Best-Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 small zucchini, sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:07:14.919Z

This vegetarian stir-fry is a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, perfectly seasoned and stir-fried to create a quick and healthy meal that everyone will love.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
Packed with nutrients from a variety of vegetables

      

The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

Adopting a vegetarian diet has numerous health benefits. It’s associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. By focusing on plant-based foods, you naturally increase your intake of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall well-being.

Incorporating more vegetables into your meals, like in this stir-fry recipe, helps to boost your fiber intake, which is crucial for healthy digestion. Fiber not only keeps you feeling full longer but also aids in regulating blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This vegetarian stir-fry is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping. You can whip up a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and serve over fresh rice or noodles, and you have a nutritious meal ready in minutes.

Additionally, the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it based on the vegetables you have on hand. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies or your personal favorites, ensuring you never get bored of the same flavors while maximizing the nutritional benefits.

Cooking Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

To achieve the perfect stir-fry, ensure your vegetables are cut into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking. Using a high heat allows for the ideal tender-crisp texture that makes stir-fry so enjoyable. Remember to keep the vegetables moving in the pan to prevent burning and promote even cooking.

Another helpful tip is to prepare your sauce ahead of time. Having it ready to go will streamline the cooking process and ensure that you maximize flavor absorption when added to the veggies. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices or sauces to make the dish uniquely yours!

Ingredients

Vegetables

1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas
1 carrot, julienned
1 small zucchini, sliced
2 green onions, chopped

Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For Cooking

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand!

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Vegetables

Add broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, carrot, and zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Enjoy your vibrant and delicious vegetarian stir-fry!

Nutritional Highlights

This vegetarian stir-fry is a powerhouse of nutrients. Broccoli provides a hefty dose of vitamin C and K, contributing to immune function and bone health, while bell peppers are packed with antioxidants. Snap peas and carrots add crunch along with essential vitamins like A and C.

The addition of sesame oil not only enhances the flavor but also offers healthy fats that support heart health. By enjoying this dish, you're not just treating your taste buds; you're also nourishing your body with a wide array of vitamins and minerals.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra kick, consider serving your stir-fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha for those who like a bit of heat. Pairing it with brown rice or whole grain noodles can elevate the nutritional value, providing complex carbohydrates that keep you energized.

If you're looking to add protein, consider tossing in some tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas before adding the sauce. This not only enhances the dish's heartiness but also makes it more filling, perfect for those who need an extra boost in their meals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are thawed before cooking.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chili flakes or your favorite spices for an extra kick.

→ How long does leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.