This easy veggie stir fry is a vibrant, healthy, and flavor-packed meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Featuring crisp-tender vegetables tossed in a sweet and savory sauce, it’s the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights. You can enjoy it as is, or add your favorite protein for extra heartiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple — ready in 20 minutes from start to finish.

• Packed with fresh, colorful vegetables for maximum nutrition.

• Customizable — swap in your favorite veggies or add protein like tofu, tempeh, or chicken.

• Delicious sweet and savory stir fry sauce made from pantry staples.

• Perfect served over rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the stir fry:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced

• 3 cups small broccoli florets

• 1 cup sugar snap peas

• 1 cup thinly sliced carrots

• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

For the stir fry sauce:

• ½ cup water

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

• 2 garlic cloves, grated

• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.

3. Add red and yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly softened but still crisp.

4. Reduce heat to medium and pour in the stir fry sauce. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and vegetables are crisp-tender.

5. Season to taste, then top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 to 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Swap veggies: Try celery, snow peas, green beans, napa cabbage, baby corn, or water chestnuts.

• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

• Add protein: Toss in baked tofu, tempeh, edamame, chicken, or shrimp.

• Change the base: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, rice noodles, or quinoa.

• Go vegan: Use brown sugar instead of honey.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

• You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

How do I keep my vegetables crisp in a stir fry?

Cook over high heat for a short time, stirring often, to prevent overcooking.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first for best texture.

What protein works best in this stir fry?

Baked tofu, tempeh, chicken, shrimp, or beef strips work well.

How do I make this stir fry gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best oil for stir frying?

Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil. Olive oil works too for this recipe.

Why did my sauce turn out too thick?

Too much cornstarch or cooking it too long can cause this—add a little water to thin it.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

What’s the best rice to serve with stir fry?

Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices, but brown rice or quinoa also work.

Can I add nuts to this stir fry?

Absolutely—cashews, peanuts, or almonds add great crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

This easy veggie stir fry is a fast, flexible, and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its crisp-tender vegetables and savory-sweet sauce, it’s a satisfying meal you can customize to your taste. Serve it over rice or noodles, add your favorite protein, and enjoy a wholesome, restaurant-quality dish at home.

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