Healthy Dinner Vegetable Stir Fry

Name: Healthy Dinner Vegetable Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 1 cup snap peas; 1 small onion, sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Dinner Vegetable Stir Fry for a quick weeknight meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s my go-to recipe when I want to use up leftover vegetables and still enjoy something vibrant and satisfying. The colors alone in this dish make it appealing to everyone at the table! Each bite is filled with the crunch of fresh veggies and the fragrant aromas of garlic and ginger. Best of all, it takes under 30 minutes to prepare, so I can whip it up even on my busiest nights.

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:34:06.502Z

When I first tried making a vegetable stir fry, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could transform into such a delightful dish. The key is to use fresh vegetables and a good soy sauce that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. I love to experiment with seasonal vegetables, and I've found that broccoli and bell peppers not only add great color but also provide a satisfying crunch.

To take my stir fry to the next level, I always toss in a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. This small touch not only adds a nutty flavor but also a lovely texture that complements the crisp vegetables. Each time I prepare it, I feel like I'm having a gourmet meal without the fuss.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Fresh, crisp vegetables stir-fried to perfection
Quick and easy for busy weeknights
Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of this Healthy Dinner Vegetable Stir Fry lies in its versatility, allowing you to mix and match vegetables based on your preferences or what's available in your fridge. While I recommend broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and onions for their vibrant colors and textures, feel free to add zucchini, asparagus, or even baby corn. Just keep in mind the cooking times, as softer vegetables like zucchini may need less time in the skillet than denser ones like carrots.

When selecting vegetables, opt for those that are fresh and firm. You want everything to be close to the same size for even cooking. If using frozen vegetables, make sure to thaw and drain them well to keep the stir fry from becoming soggy. The visual appeal of your dish is enhanced by the variety of colors, so try to include both dark and light veggies to create a stunning presentation on the plate.

Perfecting Your Stir Fry Technique

Getting that perfect stir fry texture requires practice, but the key is in the heat. Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a wok and heat it over medium-high to high heat before adding the vegetables. You want them to sear quickly rather than steam, so make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you need to, cook in batches to maintain that satisfying crunch. Aim for vibrant, glossy veggies that are tender-crisp when done, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

While stirring, make sure to keep the vegetables moving constantly—they should sizzle lightly. Using a wooden spatula or tong helps prevent them from sticking and allows you to lift and turn them quickly. If you notice them starting to brown or stick, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning the garlic or ginger in the later steps.

Ingredients

Vegetables:

1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup bell pepper, sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup snap peas
1 small onion, sliced

Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop all the vegetables any way you prefer. Make sure they are dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp.

Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Serve

Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.

Pro Tips

For added protein, consider adding tofu or chicken to the stir fry. Cooking them first ensures they remain tender and juicy.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, this stir fry stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, it's best enjoyed fresh for the crunchiest texture. When reheating, do it on the stovetop over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water to create steam and keep the vegetables from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, but this may lead to softer veggies.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider prepping the vegetables and sauce separately. Store the vegetables in a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, which can help maintain their crispness. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, making quick meal prep a breeze.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Dinner Vegetable Stir Fry is a fantastic standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with grains like brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. For a protein boost, you might consider adding tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Just sauté the protein separately before the vegetables and combine them both when adding the sauce, allowing the protein to absorb the flavors.

To enhance the flavor profile, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice can also brighten the dish and add a delightful zesty finish. Feel free to experiment with heat by drizzling a bit of sriracha or chili paste on top for an extra kick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables instead?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but be aware that they may release more moisture.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

→ Can I meal prep this stir fry?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but add the sauce just before serving to keep it crisp.