Quick Baby Corn & Snap Pea Stir-fry
A vibrant and speedy stir-fry featuring the sweet crunch of baby corn, crisp snap peas, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a savory umami sauce. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal in under 15 minutes.
For 2 servings
Prepare all vegetables: Halve the baby corn lengthwise, thinly slice the red bell pepper, trim the snap peas, mince the garlic, grate the fresh ginger, and slice the green onions for garnish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Heat the neutral cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it begins to shimmer and a wisp of smoke appears.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot wok. Stir-fry for 15-30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Add the halved baby corn, snap peas, and sliced red bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing constantly, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and brightly colored.
Give the prepared sauce mixture a quick whisk again, then pour it into the wok over the vegetables. Stir quickly to coat the vegetables evenly and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 30 seconds.
Remove the wok from the heat. Drizzle with the toasted sesame oil and toss once more to combine.
Transfer the stir-fry to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1High Heat is Key: Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature stir-fry char and keep vegetables crisp.
- 2Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and measured (mise en place) before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves very quickly.
- 3Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary, especially if using a smaller pan, to prevent steaming the vegetables instead of stir-frying them.
- 4Adjust Crunch: For softer vegetables, stir-fry for an additional minute or two. For maximum crunch, reduce cooking time slightly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 4 oz (115g) thinly sliced chicken, shrimp, or firm tofu (pressed and cubed) alongside the vegetables for a more substantial meal. Cook protein first, remove, then add back at the end.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Incorporate 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce for a fiery kick, or add a few slices of fresh chili with the aromatics.
Different VeggiesDifferent Veggies
Substitute or add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, bok choy, or water chestnuts for varied textures and flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Baby corn, snap peas, and bell peppers are excellent sources of dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and helping to maintain satiety.
Vitamin Powerhouse
Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, while other vegetables contribute various essential vitamins (like A and K) and minerals crucial for immune function and overall well-being.
Low Calorie, High Nutrients
This stir-fry is naturally low in calories but high in essential nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy diet without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
While best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and crispness, you can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently in a pan, but expect the vegetables to be less crisp than when freshly made.
