When you need a meal that’s fast, nutritious, budget-friendly, and full of flavor, nothing beats an easy vegetable stir fry. Stir fry recipes are a staple in countless kitchens around the world for good reason: they’re customizable, endlessly versatile, and quick enough for even the busiest weeknights. With vibrant vegetables, a perfectly balanced stir fry sauce, and a simple cooking method, this dish transforms everyday produce into a restaurant-quality meal.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know: the best vegetables for stir frying, the ideal cooking order, how to make a fail-proof homemade sauce, flavor variations, protein add-ins, meal-prep strategies, and more. Whether you’re vegetarian, looking for a fast dinner, or simply love fresh Asian-inspired recipes, this easy vegetable stir fry will become a go-to meal in your rotation.

What Makes This Vegetable Stir Fry So Good?

1. It’s incredibly fast

From chopping to serving, this stir fry comes together in about 20 minutes.

2. It uses everyday ingredients

Fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger, soy sauce — nothing complicated or hard to find.

3. It’s healthy but bursting with flavor

Bright veggies + savory sauce + a touch of sweetness = perfect balance.

4. It’s customizable

Swap vegetables, adjust the sauce, or add your favorite protein.

5. It’s budget-friendly

A full, colorful, satisfying dinner using inexpensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Easy Vegetable Stir Fry

This recipe features a variety of vegetables that cook quickly and hold their shape well. You can swap or add any veggies you have on hand.

Vegetables

• Broccoli florets
• Carrots (sliced thin so they soften quickly)
• Bell peppers (any color)
• Snap peas
• Onion or green onions

Aromatics

• Garlic
• Ginger
  These two ingredients elevate the flavor instantly and make the stir fry smell incredible as it cooks.

Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients

• Soy sauce
• Honey or sugar
• Rice vinegar or lime
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Sesame oil

This combination creates the classic glossy, savory, slightly sweet sauce that coats every vegetable beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, sliced thin
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 1–2 tablespoons oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare your sauce.
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture. Set aside.
2. Heat your pan.
   Add oil to a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Cook the aromatics.
   Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables.
   Add broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir fry for 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Add the sauce.
   Pour the stir fry sauce over the vegetables and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
6. Serve.
   Enjoy hot over rice or noodles.

easy vegetable stir fry

A quick, colorful, and healthy vegetable stir fry tossed in a savory homemade sauce and ready in minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegetable Stir Fry

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot sliced
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 small onion sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
• 1-2 tbsp oil for cooking

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture to create the stir fry sauce.
2. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and snap peas and stir fry 5–7 minutes.
5. Pour sauce over vegetables and cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
6. Serve warm over rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, add chili flakes or drizzle with extra sesame oil before serving.

How to Make the Best Stir Fry Every Time

1. Use High Heat

Stir frying requires a hot pan to sear and cook quickly without steaming.

2. Cut Vegetables Uniformly

Even sizes ensure even cooking.

3. Add Vegetables in Stages

Harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli take longer than bell peppers or snap peas.

4. Don’t Overcook

Vegetables should stay crisp and vibrant.

5. Add Sauce at the End

This prevents burning and ensures glossy coating.

Optional Add-Ins

Proteins

• Chicken strips
• Shrimp
• Beef strips
• Tofu
• Tempeh

Additional Vegetables

• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Baby corn
• Cabbage
• Snow peas

Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions
• Crushed peanuts
• Chili flakes

Serving Ideas

• Over white or brown rice
• On top of noodles
• Wrapped in lettuce cups
• With quinoa for a protein boost
• As a side to grilled meat or tofu

Meal Prep Tips

• Store cooked stir fry separately from rice or noodles.
• Keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Reheat in a skillet to keep vegetables crisp.
• Double the sauce if reheating often — it thickens as it chills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick, easy, and weeknight-friendly
• A great way to use leftover veggies
• Customizable for any diet
• Healthy and nutrient-packed
• Delicious every single time