How to Make Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry: Step by Step

Start by sautéing minced garlic and chopped onion in oil until fragrant, then add fresh vegetables for a flavorful and healthy dish. This heart-friendly recipe is easy to prepare, and its ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 1 zucchini, sliced (optional)

• 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)

• 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, or chili flakes

Before We Start

• Use high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the vegetables quickly while retaining their crunch. Ensure your pan or wok is hot before adding oil.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking too many vegetables at once can cause them to steam rather than stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Add sauces at the end: Adding sauces like soy sauce at the end prevents burning and ensures the right flavor balance.

• Enhance flavor with aromatics: Ginger, garlic, and chili add depth to stir-fries. Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro for a unique twist.

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables:

1. On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to evenly slice 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot (julienned), 1 zucchini, 1 cup broccoli florets, and 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans for quick and even cooking.

Heat the oil:
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or sesame oil in a large pan or wok. A wok, with its bowl-shaped bottom, works best for stir-frying.

Sauté:
3. Add sliced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Add the vegetables:
4. Begin with hard vegetables like carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, then add the bell pepper, zucchini, and snap peas or green beans. Continue stir-frying for another 5–6 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.

Add sauces:
5. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, hoisin sauce (optional), and 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional). Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.

Season and serve:
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve with rice, noodles, or roti. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or chili flakes for added flavor and texture.

How to Serve

• Choose a base: Pair with rice, noodles, quinoa, or couscous.

• Garnish creatively: Sprinkle sesame seeds, add fresh cilantro, or top with chili flakes for vibrant color and flavor.

• Presentation matters: Use wide bowls or shallow plates to showcase your stir-fry.

• Pair with a drink: Enjoy with green tea or a refreshing lime-infused drink.

How to Make Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)

• 1 chicken breast, sliced thinly

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Stir gently until aromatic.

2. Add sliced chicken to the pan and cook until fully done.

3. When the chicken is almost cooked, add bite-sized vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers) and stir for 3–5 minutes.

4. Pour in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve warm with rice or noodles.

How to Make Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed vegetables (bok choy, broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and ginger, and stir until fragrant.

2. Cut vegetables (mushrooms, bok choy, broccoli, snap peas) into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pan and stir well for 5–7 minutes.

3. Add soy sauce and coat the ingredients while stirring.

4. Serve hot with rice.

How to Make Steak and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sliced steak (beef)

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, onions, bell peppers)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.

2. Add steak slices and stir-fry until browned.

3. Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan. Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes.

4. Splash soy sauce over the mixture and cook for another minute.

5. Serve with your favorite base, like noodles or rice.

How to Make Vegetable Stir-Fry Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, then add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

2. Add vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes.

3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring well to combine.

4. Cook for 2 more minutes and serve warm.

How to Make Vegetable Stir-Fry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix gently.

2. Add the sauce to your stir-fry during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

3. Stir until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the vegetables.

Conclusion

1. Prepare the vegetables: Cut the onion, bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook aromatics: Heat a pan with oil, add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and stir until fragrant.

3. Add vegetables: Toss in all the cut veggies and cook for 5-6 minutes. Keep them crunchy—don’t overcook.

4. Season and finish: Add soy sauce and optional hoisin sauce for flavor. Cook for a minute, then remove from heat. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your healthy and delicious homemade vegetable stir-fry with pride!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• How to Make Soup Without Chicken

• How to Make Vegetable Broth with Flavor

• How to Make Vegetable Rice

• How to Make Easy Vegetable Lasagna in Many Ways

• How to Make Avocado Toast with Endless Taste

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