Vegetable Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce

Vegetable Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that turns everyday vegetables into a satisfying, restaurant-worthy meal. Tossed in a rich, creamy peanut sauce, this quick and colorful stir fry is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a healthy plant-based lunch. It’s a delicious way to eat more vegetables without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables
• Rich and creamy peanut sauce adds bold flavor
• Vegan and gluten-free friendly
• Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or protein
• Great for meal prep or quick lunches
• Naturally dairy-free
• Perfect with rice, noodles, or quinoa
• Sweet, savory, tangy, and slightly spicy
• Satisfying and family-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the stir fry:

• Broccoli florets
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Carrots, julienned or sliced
• Snap peas or snow peas
• Red cabbage or zucchini (optional)
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Olive oil or sesame oil

For the peanut sauce:

• Peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
• Soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free)
• Rice vinegar or lime juice
• Maple syrup or honey
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Water (to thin)
• Sriracha or chili flakes (optional for heat)

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar or lime juice, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and water. Adjust consistency and flavor to taste. Set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds. Add firmer vegetables like carrots and broccoli first, cooking for 3–4 minutes. Add remaining vegetables and stir-fry until just tender but still crisp, about 4–5 minutes more.
3. Add sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetables and toss well to coat. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Serve: Serve hot over cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for extra protein
• Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter
• Include mushrooms or bok choy for a twist
• Toss in cooked rice noodles or lo mein for a saucy noodle bowl
• Add crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch
• Adjust spice level to your liking with more or less chili

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much after chilling.

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the texture change of the vegetables and sauce separation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just thaw and drain them first. Stir-fry quickly to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I make it nut-free?

Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter and skip peanut garnishes.

What vegetables work best?

Any combination of quick-cooking veggies like broccoli, peppers, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, or snap peas works well.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely—add tofu, tempeh, edamame, or even cooked chicken if not vegan.

How spicy is the peanut sauce?

It’s mild unless you add sriracha or chili flakes. Adjust heat to your preference.

What’s the best oil for stir-frying?

Use oils with a high smoke point like sesame, avocado, or light olive oil.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days and stir before using.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs perfectly with jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.

How do I keep vegetables crisp?

Cook on high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming.

Conclusion

Vegetable Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce is a go-to recipe that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in a healthy, plant-based meal. With minimal prep and endless customization options, it’s perfect for anyone looking to add more veggies to their plate. Once you taste the rich peanut sauce coating every colorful bite, you’ll see why this stir fry is a staple worth repeating.

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