There’s something magical about a good stir-fry. It’s fresh, colorful, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavors that make every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy way to enjoy more veggies, this Vegetable Stir-Fry is the perfect recipe for you.
Made with crisp-tender vegetables and tossed in a savory homemade stir-fry sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete, hearty meal that will leave you feeling nourished and full.
Let’s dive into this easy, foolproof recipe and get cooking!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh veggies.
- Customizable: Use any vegetables you have on hand or add your favorite protein.
- Delicious Homemade Sauce: A perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Before we start cooking, let’s go over the key ingredients that make this dish so delicious.
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
This homemade sauce is what makes this vegetable stir-fry so flavorful! It’s savory, slightly sweet, with a little kick of heat (if you like spice).
✔️ ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra depth)
✔️ ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (adds umami richness)
✔️ 2 tablespoons honey (for a touch of natural sweetness)
✔️ 2 teaspoons sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
✔️ 1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger, minced (boosts flavor and freshness)
✔️ 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
✔️ 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the sauce)
✔️ ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
For the Stir-Fry Vegetables
This is where you can get creative! The mix of crunchy and soft textures makes each bite irresistible.
✔️ 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
✔️ 2 cups broccoli florets (adds fiber and crunch)
✔️ 2 large carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal (for a hint of sweetness)
✔️ 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (adds umami depth)
✔️ 1 cup sugar snap peas or snow peas (for that fresh, crisp bite)
✔️ 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
✔️ 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
✔️ 4 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
For Serving
✔️ Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
✔️ Cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa
STEP 1: MAKE THE SAUCE
The secret to any great stir-fry is a well-balanced sauce, and this one is no exception.
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Vegetable broth
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Sesame oil
- Minced ginger
- Minced garlic
- Cornstarch
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Set it aside while you prep the vegetables. The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken beautifully once it hits the hot pan!
STEP 2: COOK THE VEGETABLES
Now that we have the sauce ready, it’s time to stir-fry!
Heat the Pan
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
Start with the Hardest Vegetables
- Add the broccoli and carrots first, since they take longer to cook.
- Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add More Veggies
- Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, then toss in the mushrooms and sugar snap peas.
- Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, letting the mushrooms soften and the peas stay crisp.
At this point, your kitchen will already smell amazing—the garlic, ginger, and fresh veggies coming together in the pan create an irresistible aroma!
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER – SAUCE, FINAL TOUCHES & TIPS
Now that our vegetables are perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring everything together with the delicious homemade stir-fry sauce. This is where the magic happens—when the flavors meld, the sauce thickens, and every bite becomes irresistibly flavorful.
STEP 3: ADD THE BELL PEPPERS
Bell peppers cook quickly, and we want them to remain slightly crisp for the perfect texture.
- Add the red and yellow bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
- By this point, the broccoli should be tender yet still slightly crisp, the mushrooms should have softened, and the carrots should have just the right bite.
At this stage, the colors in your pan will be absolutely gorgeous—a mix of bright greens, deep reds, warm yellows, and earthy browns.
STEP 4: POUR IN THE SAUCE
Now comes the fun part!
- Give the sauce one last whisk to make sure the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
- Slowly pour it into the pan, stirring constantly to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and clings to the veggies.
You’ll notice the sauce turning glossy, giving the stir-fry that restaurant-quality look and texture. The aroma of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil will be completely irresistible at this point.
STEP 5: ADD THE FINAL TOUCHES
To finish off the dish:
- Stir in the green onions, reserving a few for garnish.
- Give everything a final toss to make sure the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Remove the pan from heat and get ready to serve!
TIPS FOR THE BEST VEGETABLE STIR-FRY
Making a great stir-fry is all about technique. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture:
1. Use High Heat
A hot pan is key to achieving that classic stir-fry taste and texture. Cooking over medium-high or high heat ensures that the vegetables stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If your pan is too full, the vegetables will steam rather than stir-fry. Use a large wok or skillet, or cook in batches if needed.
3. Cut Vegetables Evenly
For even cooking, make sure to slice your vegetables uniformly. Thin slices cook quickly, while thicker pieces take longer.
4. Stir Constantly
Keep everything moving in the pan to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
5. Adjust the Sauce to Taste
Want a saltier stir-fry? Add a splash of soy sauce. Prefer a little more sweetness? A drizzle of honey will do the trick. Like it spicy? Increase the red pepper flakes.
VARIATIONS & ADD-INS
This stir-fry is incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to fit your preferences or use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
1. Add Protein
To make this a complete meal, try adding:
✔️ Chicken, beef, or shrimp – Cook your protein first, then remove it from the pan before cooking the vegetables. Add it back in at the end.
✔️ Tofu or tempeh – For a vegetarian option, sauté tofu cubes until golden brown, then add them to the stir-fry.
2. Try Different Vegetables
While this recipe features broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, and snap peas, you can swap or add:
✔️ Zucchini – Adds a nice soft texture
✔️ Baby corn – For a sweet crunch
✔️ Water chestnuts – For extra crispiness
✔️ Bok choy or spinach – Adds a leafy green element
3. Switch Up the Sauce
✔️ Peanut Stir-Fry Sauce – Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
✔️ Teriyaki Sauce – Swap honey for brown sugar and add a splash of pineapple juice.
✔️ Spicy Szechuan Sauce – Increase the red pepper flakes and add 1 teaspoon of chili paste.
STEP 6: SERVE AND ENJOY
Now it’s time to serve up this delicious stir-fry!
✔️ Spoon the vegetable stir-fry over warm brown rice, white rice, or quinoa.
✔️ Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a final touch.
✔️ Serve immediately while hot and enjoy every flavorful bite!
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes before serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & FINAL THOUGHTS
By now, you should have a sizzling, flavorful pan of vegetable stir-fry ready to be enjoyed. But before you dig in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help troubleshoot common concerns and provide additional tips to perfect this dish every time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop all the vegetables and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat your pan and follow the stir-frying steps for a fresh and quick meal.
2. How do I prevent my stir-fry from becoming soggy?
The key to a crisp, flavorful stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as too many vegetables at once can cause steaming instead of frying. If necessary, cook in batches.
3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but fresh vegetables yield the best texture. If using frozen vegetables, thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. You may also need to cook them slightly longer to remove excess water.
4. What can I use instead of cornstarch for the sauce?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with:
✔️ Arrowroot powder – Works similarly to cornstarch.
✔️ Flour – Use 2 tablespoons of flour instead of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
✔️ Tapioca starch – Another great gluten-free alternative.
5. How can I make this stir-fry spicier?
For extra heat, try one or more of the following:
✔️ Increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
✔️ Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste while stir-frying.
✔️ Toss in sliced fresh chili peppers like Thai chilies or jalapeños.
6. What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
You want an oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning. Some great options include:
✔️ Avocado oil – Neutral flavor and high smoke point.
✔️ Peanut oil – Classic in Asian stir-fries.
✔️ Sesame oil – Use toasted sesame oil for flavor, but not as the main cooking oil.
7. Can I make this stir-fry low-carb?
Absolutely! Serve it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own without any grains. You can also swap the honey in the sauce for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS STIR-FRY DESERVES A SPOT IN YOUR WEEKLY ROTATION
There’s something so satisfying about cooking a fresh, homemade stir-fry—from the vibrant colors of the vegetables to the irresistible aroma of ginger and garlic sizzling in the pan.
Not only is this dish healthy and easy to make, but it’s also:
✔️ Completely customizable – Use whatever veggies or proteins you love.
✔️ Meal-prep friendly – Perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Loaded with flavor – Thanks to the delicious homemade sauce.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Description
This colorful and flavorful stir-fry is packed with fresh vegetables and coated in a delicious homemade sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete meal!
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
- 2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
- 2 large carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup sugar snap peas or snow peas
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced into 1-inch strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced into 1-inch strips
- 4 green onions, sliced (plus more for serving)
For Serving
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and carrots, stirring often, and cook for about 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Add more veggies: Pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil, then add the mushrooms and snap peas. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Add bell peppers: Toss in the red and yellow bell peppers and stir-fry for 1 more minute, until the vegetables are almost crisp-tender.
5️⃣ Add the sauce: Whisk the sauce once more to make sure it’s well combined. Pour it into the pan with the vegetables, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes). Stir in the green onions.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Remove the pan from heat and serve the stir-fry over rice or quinoa. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
✅ Customize your stir-fry – Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.
✅ Make it spicier – Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
✅ Don’t overcook the veggies – Keep them crisp-tender for the best texture.
🥢 Enjoy this easy, healthy, and delicious stir-fry! 🥡
