Braided Plaited Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful vegetable stir fry inspired by the intricate twists of plaited ropes, glazed with a savory garlic soy sauce for a satisfying yet light meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs broccoli florets, large, julienned carrot, trimmed snow peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 large julienned carrot, and 1 cup snow peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, tossing frequently until vegetables are bright and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Pour 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp sesame oil over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions for added flavor and crunch before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braided Plaited Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braided Plaited Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braided Plaited Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braided Plaited Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Braided Plaited Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Glaze vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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