Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe Easy

Introduction

This 5-Minute Veggie Stir Fry Recipe is the ultimate quick and healthy dinner idea for busy nights. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in a flash using fresh or frozen vegetables. For another simple, crowd-pleasing side, try the Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe. Both are perfect for getting a nutritious meal on the table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

This Easy Veggie Stir Fry comes together with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce that perfectly coats crisp-tender vegetables for a vibrant and satisfying meal.

• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free, or 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce)
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 2 Tbsp honey
• ¼ tsp hot sauce (optional, Frank’s or Sriracha work great)
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 2 cups medium broccoli florets
• 8 oz can baby corn spears, drained
• 8 oz mushrooms (white or brown), sliced or quartered
• 1 whole pepper (red, yellow, or orange), seeded and sliced
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil (extra light olive oil or canola)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2 tsp ginger, minced

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes

Context: This Easy Veggie Stir Fry comes together in about 20 minutes, making it roughly 25% faster than many similar recipes that require more prep or longer marinating times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Vegetables

Wash and chop all your vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. For this Easy Veggie Stir Fry, aim for pieces about 1-inch in size to ensure even cooking. Having everything prepped and within reach (a technique called mise en place) is crucial for a smooth stir-fry process.

Step 2 — Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vegetable broth, a touch of maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. For a thicker sauce that clings to the veggies, add a teaspoon of cornstarch and whisk until completely smooth.

Step 3 — Heat Your Pan or Wok

Place a large wok or skillet over high heat. Let it get very hot for about 1-2 minutes before adding oil. A properly heated pan is the secret to a great stir-fry, as it quickly sears the vegetables, locking in flavor and texture.

Step 4 — Cook the Aromatics

Add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or peanut oil to the hot pan. Immediately add minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for just 20-30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn, as this will make the entire dish bitter.

Step 5 — Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add your harder vegetables first (like carrots and broccoli). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to brighten in color and soften slightly. Then, add softer veggies like bell peppers and snap peas, cooking for another 2 minutes. The goal is crisp-tender, not mushy.

Step 6 — Add the Sauce and Finish

Give your sauce a final stir and pour it into the center of the wok. It should bubble and thicken almost immediately. Toss everything together vigorously for about 1 minute until all the vegetables are glossy and evenly coated.

Step 7 — Taste and Adjust

Turn off the heat. Taste your Easy Veggie Stir Fry and adjust the seasoning. You might add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, a dash of toasted sesame oil for depth, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Step 8 — Serve Immediately

Serve your stir-fry right away over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. For the best texture and temperature, this dish is meant to be enjoyed fresh from the wok.

Nutritional Information

Calories	280
Protein	8g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	12g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	520mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Easy Veggie Stir Fry are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual amounts can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile Easy Veggie Stir Fry recipe is perfect for customization. Here are simple swaps to adjust it for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.

• Protein Alternative (Tofu) — Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. It soaks up the sauce beautifully for a satisfying, plant-based version of this Easy Veggie Stir Fry.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini (zoodles). It lightens the dish while keeping it filling.
• Dairy-Free Sauce — If using oyster sauce, ensure it’s a vegan brand, or substitute with a mix of soy sauce, a touch of maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil for depth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make the entire stir fry gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Version — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and boost flavor with fresh ginger, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar.
• Nut-Free Variation — Replace sesame oil with avocado oil and garnish with sunflower seeds instead of sesame seeds for a similar crunch.
• Spice Boost — Add a teaspoon of chili-garlic paste or sriracha to the sauce mixture for a quick, fiery kick.
• Extra Veggie Power — Incorporate hearty vegetables like sliced mushrooms or broccoli florets for more texture and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Easy Veggie Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa for a classic, satisfying meal.
• For a low-carb option, pair it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Make it a protein-packed feast by adding grilled teriyaki tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken breast.
• Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch prep, or a colorful addition to a potluck spread.
• Elevate the presentation by garnishing with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
• Serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup for a complete, restaurant-style experience.
• This versatile Easy Veggie Stir Fry is also fantastic wrapped in warm tortillas or lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on meal.

The beauty of this stir fry is its adaptability. Use these ideas as a starting point to create your perfect plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan, which steams veggies instead of searing them. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets direct heat and caramelizes.
• Mistake: Adding all vegetables at once, leading to uneven cooking. Fix: Start with dense veggies like carrots and broccoli, adding quicker-cooking ones like bell peppers later.
• Mistake: Using a low-quality wok or pan that doesn’t retain heat. Fix: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or carbon steel wok preheated until it’s almost smoking.
• Mistake: Stirring constantly, which prevents the Maillard reaction (browning). Fix: Let the vegetables sit undisturbed for a minute or two between stirs to develop flavor.
• Mistake: Adding sauce too early, causing it to evaporate and leaving veggies soggy. Fix: Mix your sauce separately and pour it in during the last minute of cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch slurry for sauces, resulting in a thin, watery coating. Fix: A teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water creates a glossy, clingy sauce.
• Mistake: Using raw, un-pressed tofu, which won’t absorb flavor or crisp up. Fix: Press tofu for 30 minutes and pan-fry it separately before adding to the stir-fry.
• Mistake: Not tasting and seasoning at the end, as soy sauce reduces. Fix: Do a final taste test and adjust with a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance.
• Mistake: Cutting vegetables in wildly different sizes, so some are raw while others are mushy. Fix: Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking throughout your Easy Veggie Stir Fry.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Easy Veggie Stir Fry completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat until steaming hot, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Letting your stir-fry cool before sealing it helps prevent condensation, which keeps the vegetables from getting soggy. For the best texture, avoid refreezing previously frozen Easy Veggie Stir Fry.

Conclusion

This Easy Veggie Stir Fry is your perfect solution for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal. We hope you love this simple recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more easy meal ideas, check out our Viral TikTok Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad Recipe or our Mouthwatering One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this Easy Veggie Stir Fry?

Yes, frozen vegetables work perfectly. Just add them directly to the hot pan without thawing to prevent sogginess. This Easy Veggie Stir Fry remains quick and convenient.

What is the best sauce for a simple stir fry?

A classic combination is soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup or honey. This creates a flavorful glaze that coats the vegetables beautifully in your Easy Veggie Stir Fry.

How do I keep my stir fry from getting soggy?

Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook vegetables in batches if needed. This technique ensures your Easy Veggie Stir Fry has a crisp-tender texture.