Cumin-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili

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

A quick vegetable stir fry with aromatic cumin, garlic, and a hint of chili, perfect for a flavorful vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs broccoli florets, red bell pepper, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp ground cumin, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp red chili flakes evenly and pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, stirring to coat all vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lime juice over the vegetables. Toss gently.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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 Cumin-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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 Cumin-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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 Cumin-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.

What goes well with Cumin-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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