An Easy Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Vegetable stir fry is one of those low-effort, high payoff meals that I love. It’s a snap to make, packs a ton of veggies into one dish, and it hits all the salty-crunchy notes I tend to crave. Lots of veggies, drizzled with a simple stir fry sauce and served with a pot of perfectly cooked white or brown rice makes for such a simple, satisfying meal.
If you want to add some protein, you can always add a little tofu, or try a turkey or chicken stir fry. Bookmark this recipe to add to your homemade takeout recipe repertoire, along with orange chicken, hot and sour cabbage, cumin beef, and Kung Pao chicken.
Ingredients For Stir Fry Vegetables
You can use almost any combination of vegetables you like for this simple veggie stir fry! Below are some of my favorites. Find exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Neutral cooking oil: I use vegetable oil because it can be used at high cooking temperatures.
- Crimini mushrooms: White button mushrooms could work, too.
- Broccoli florets: Classic and healthy!
- Canned baby corn: My kids love it, and it’s exactly what our favorite take out spot uses.
- Red bell pepper: Crispy and colorful!
- Snap peas: I love these, but if they’re hard to find, it is OK to leave them out.
- Zucchini: When it’s going wild in my garden, I add extra!
- Carrots: For color and crunch.
- Soy sauce or tamari: I use low-sodium soy sauce OR gluten-free tamari if I am cooking this for someone who needs a gluten-free meal.
- Toasted sesame oil: For nutty rich flavor.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic, always! Not the jarred stuff.
- Fresh ginger: Also key! You could use frozen cubes (I buy the Trader Joe’s ones) just make sure they are defrosted before you cook with them.
- Brown sugar or honey: This is optional, but a hint of sweetness balances out the other bold flavors in the stir fry sauce.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: This is what makes the sauce cling to the vegetables. It’s key to the perfect, classic veggie stir fry!
How To Stir Fry Vegetables
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, add the veggies and give them a good toss to coat in the oil. Definitely turn on your kitchen fan for this one!
- Cook the veggies for about 5 minutes in the hot oil.
- Make the stir fry sauce in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened and vegetables are tender, about 5 more minutes.
- To serve, divide among plates and top with a sprinkle of green onions.
How to Store Leftovers + Tips
- The best vegetables for stir fry: My recipe calls for a mix of classic stir fry veggies, but any combo of your favorite veggies will do. In order to keep textures crisp and not mushy, make sure to layer your cooking times, adding quick cooking vegetables last.
- Be sure to cook the veggies in a truly hot pan. If the oil isn’t glistening, it’s not ready!
- Take care to cut the vegetables to roughly the same size (aim for bite-sized pieces) so that they cook evenly.
- Wait to add the stir fry sauce until AFTER the veggies are cooked through. Don’t take a shortcut here, because your veggies won’t be as perfectly cooked!
- Leftovers should be eaten within 4 days. You can technically freeze stir fry vegetables but it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
More Delicious DIY Take Out Recipes
Find Your Next Favorite Recipe Here
For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Substack, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest or order our cookbook. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using #themodernproper. Happy cooking!