Stir fry is one of the best meals you can make when you want something fast, healthy, colorful, and incredibly satisfying. This Easy Vegetable Stir Fry is the perfect example: crisp-tender veggies tossed in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that tastes better than takeout but uses simple, clean ingredients. It’s a weeknight hero — ready in minutes, full of nutrition, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious served over rice or noodles.

Stir fry cooking is all about high heat, quick movement, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients. With just a few pantry staples — soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil — you can create a rich, complex sauce that coats the vegetables beautifully. And the best part? You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. This recipe is incredibly flexible and works with fresh or frozen veggies.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dinner, a healthy side dish, or a base to add chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beef, this stir fry will become one of your go-to recipes.

Why This Vegetable Stir Fry Works Every Time

1. Fast and Easy

This entire meal comes together in 15 minutes — perfect for busy days.

2. Loaded with Vegetables

A mix of colors and textures makes every bite vibrant and satisfying.

3. Versatile

Use whatever veggies you have — the sauce is the star.

4. Meal Prep Friendly

Stir fry reheats beautifully and stays crisp for days.

5. Works with Any Add-Ons

Protein options, noodle versions, low-carb swaps — all easy to accommodate.

Ingredients

Vegetables (Use any combo!)

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

Stir Fry Sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

For Cooking

• 1–2 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable)

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions
• Chili flakes
• Cashews or peanuts

Instructions

1. Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
2. Prep All Vegetables
   Chop all vegetables before heating the pan — stir fry cooking moves fast.
3. Heat the Pan
   Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Cook Harder Veggies First
   Add carrots and broccoli. Stir fry 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Add Remaining Vegetables
   Add peppers, onions, snap peas, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
6. Add Sauce
   Pour the sauce into the pan. Stir constantly as it thickens and coats the vegetables.
7. Finish and Serve
   Remove from heat once glossy and cooked to your preferred texture. Serve over rice or noodles.

Easy Vegetable Stir Fry

A quick, colorful, and healthy vegetable stir fry coated in a glossy homemade sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Side

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 150

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot thinly sliced
• 0.5 red onion sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp ginger minced

Stir Fry Sauce

• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.25 cup water

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp oil for stir frying

Equipment

• Skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

1. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce.
2. Prep all vegetables before starting.
3. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Stir fry carrots and broccoli for 3–4 minutes.
5. Add peppers, onions, snap peas, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry another 2–3 minutes.
6. Pour in the sauce, stirring as it thickens and coats the vegetables.
7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Notes

Double the sauce for extra flavor or for serving over rice bowls.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Stir Fry

1. Prep First

Stir fry moves fast — have everything chopped and ready.

2. High Heat Is Key

It gives you char, flavor, and crispness.

3. Don’t Overcook

Vegetables should remain crisp and vibrant.

4. Add Protein If You Want

Stir fry pairs perfectly with tofu, shrimp, chicken, or beef.

5. Double the Sauce

Great for rice bowls and for making an “extra saucy” version.

Variations

Garlic Stir Fry

Add extra garlic for a bold flavor.

Spicy Stir Fry

Add sriracha, chili flakes, or chili garlic sauce.

Peanut Stir Fry

Add 2 tbsp peanut butter into the sauce.

Noodle Stir Fry

Swap rice for ramen, udon, or rice noodles.

Low-Carb Version

Sub cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati)
• Over noodles
• With tofu, shrimp, or chicken
• As a side dish to grilled meats
• Inside lettuce wraps
• On its own as a light vegetarian meal

Fun Facts

• Stir fry originated in ancient China, where cooking at high heat preserved fuel.
• The technique enhances both flavor and texture using minimal oil.
• Stir fry is one of the fastest ways to cook fresh vegetables without losing nutrients.