Brazilian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Fresh Herbs
A vibrant vegetable stir-fry featuring bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini tossed with fresh parsley and cilantro for a quick, healthy side. This brazilian-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, julienned carrot, medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into strips yellow bell pepper
- 2 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper, 1 sliced medium yellow bell pepper, 2 julienned medium carrots, and 1 sliced medium zucchini. Stir-fry for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently until vegetables are tender-crisp and edges slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Season the vegetables with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing to combine evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Step 6: Serve immediately as a colorful, flavorful side dish or light main.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brazilian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Fresh Herbs 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 Brazilian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Fresh Herbs?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Fresh Herbs?
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 Brazilian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Fresh Herbs 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 Brazilian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Fresh Herbs gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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