Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vibrant mix of crisp-tender vegetables tossed in a savory and slightly sweet garlic ginger sauce. This quick and healthy weeknight dinner is better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes!
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables
- b.In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, water, Shaoxing wine (if using), rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Set aside.
- c.Wash, trim, and chop all vegetables as indicated in the ingredient list. Ensure everything is ready to go before you start cooking, as the stir-frying process is very fast.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Place a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once it's very hot (a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate instantly), add the avocado oil.
- c.Swirl the oil to coat the bottom, then immediately add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Harder Vegetables
- b.Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the wok. Spread them in a single layer as much as possible.
- c.Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently. The vegetables should become bright in color and start to get tender-crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add the Softer Vegetables
- b.Add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas to the wok.
- c.Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. All the vegetables should be cooked through but still have a pleasant, crisp bite.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add the Sauce
- b.Give the prepared sauce a final quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch hasn't settled. Pour the sauce all over the vegetables in the wok.
- c.Stir constantly as the sauce comes to a boil. It will thicken very quickly, in about 1-2 minutes, coating all the vegetables in a glossy glaze.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the wok from the heat. Stir in the reserved green parts of the green onions.
- c.Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Mise en place is key! Have all your vegetables chopped and sauce mixed before turning on the heat. Stir-frying is too fast to prep as you go.
- 2For extra vibrant and perfectly cooked broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into an ice bath before adding them to the stir-fry.
- 3Ensure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding oil. This is crucial for achieving the characteristic 'wok hei' flavor and preventing vegetables from steaming.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. If you double the recipe, cook the vegetables in two separate batches to ensure they sear properly instead of becoming soggy.
- 5To add protein, stir-fry 1 lb of cubed tofu, chicken, or shrimp before the vegetables, set aside, and then add it back in with the sauce at the end.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add firm tofu, chicken breast strips, or shrimp. Cook the protein first, remove it from the pan, and add it back in during the final minute with the sauce.
Vegetable SwapVegetable Swap
Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or zucchini. Adjust cooking times based on the vegetable's hardness.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce along with the aromatics for a bit of heat.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Garnish the finished dish with a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds or a handful of roasted cashews for extra texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients
The diverse array of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provides a powerful dose of Vitamin C for immunity, Vitamin A for vision, and Vitamin K for bone health.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Loaded with fibrous vegetables, this stir-fry supports digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Heart-Healthy Meal
This recipe is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The high fiber content and healthy fats from the oils contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Supports Weight Management
As a low-calorie, high-volume meal, this stir-fry is an excellent choice for anyone looking to manage their weight. It's filling and nutrient-dense without being heavy in calories.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this vegetable stir-fry contains approximately 145-160 calories, not including any rice or noodles it's served with. It's a light and healthy main dish.