Vegetable Stir Fry

How to Make Vegetable Stir Fry

Here is a brief overview of how to stir fry vegetables. For the full recipe including all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Cook the vegetables. Add the vegetables, except the snap peas, to a hot skillet. Stir and cook covered for five minutes.
2. Add the other vegetables. Add in the sugar snap peas and cook for another minute or two. Then add in the baby corn and water chestnuts.
3. Make the sauce. While the vegetables are cooking, mix together the ingredients for the sauce. When the vegetables are tender, pour the sauce over them. Continue cooking to allow the sauce to thicken, about one to two minutes. You will know the recipe is finished with the sauce has darkened in color and turned shiny.
4. Serve and enjoy! Serve over rice while warm.

Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients

Here is what all makes up the vegetable stir fry sauce. For the measurements of each ingredient, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Teriyaki sauce: Forms the savory foundation of the stir fry sauce. While you can buy teriyaki sauce, I love to make my own. It is easy and so delicious. I share how to adjust the sauce for lower sugar, less sodium, and to be gluten-free.
• Soy sauce: A key flavor of stir fry, adding depth and saltiness to the sauce. Choose low-sodium soy sauce to allow better control over the salt levels. For a gluten-free stir fry sauce, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: Made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and various spices, it adds a depth of flavor and tang to the sauce.
• Water: Adds to the base of the sauce without affecting the flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a delicious and savory flavor to the sauce that is amazing with the vegetables.
• Ginger: Introduces a zesty and bright kick. Read more about adding ginger to recipes below.
• Chili paste: Brings a hint of heat to the stir fry sauce. I share more about this ingredient that is made from hot chilies below. The level of spiciness can be adjusted to personal preference, adding a bold kick that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives it a velvety consistency that perfectly coats the vegetables.

Cooking With Ginger

When a recipe calls for fresh ginger, you have two choices. You can get fresh ginger in its root form, peel it, and grate the desired amount using a zester. Any extra ginger root can be stored in the freezer for future use, allowing you to grate it directly into recipes even when it’s frozen.

Alternatively, you can opt for the tube-packaged ginger, which can be stored in your fridge. This is the route my family usually goes due to its convenience and extended shelf life. While it may not be as cost-effective, the tube provides a simple way to measure exactly what you need without wasting any.

Chili Paste

This condiment is made from hot chilies and adds a fantastic flavor profile to the sauce. Even though my preferred brand isn’t particularly spicy, if you’re wary of heat, I suggest starting with just one teaspoon. Give it a taste, and if you want more heat, add accordingly.

If you can’t find straight chili paste, there are some great chili sauces out there. It can typically be found in the international aisle of your local grocery store, or you can conveniently order it from Amazon.

Stir Fry Vegetables

Stir fry recipes are super customizable which is part of what makes them so great, even for picky eaters! The best vegetables for stir fry are any that you and your family like. I include red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, and baby corn.

Stir fry can be easily customized to what you like and what you have on hand. Use vegetables that create a combination of colorful, crunchy, and versatile options which will result in a well-balanced and visually appealing dinner. If you don’t like or can’t find any of these, leave them out and replace them with a different vegetable or more of another vegetable.

We add the vegetables to the hot skillet in order of how they cook, so that everything is done around the same time and nothing gets overcooked and mushy. I recommend having your vegetables prepared (washed and diced) before starting the recipe so that things can move along quickly.

How to Serve

Serve your stir fried vegetables and sauce over a bed of cooked white or brown rice or noodles. For a lighter option, serve your vegetable stir fry over quinoa or cauliflower rice.

This stir fry can also be served as a flavorful side dish when served with a protein like chicken or shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, cashews, or diced green onions over the stir fry just before serving to add a delightful crunch.

Other Stir Fry Recipes

If you are looking for other stir fry recipes or want to make this recipe with meat, here are a few great suggestions.

• Beef Stir Fry
• Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
• Pork Stir Fry Recipe