Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce
A quick, nutrient-packed stir-fry combining tender lentils, sautéed veggies, and a spicy peanut sauce for a bold Mediterranean twist. This mediterranean-inspired mediterranean (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes blends cooked lentils, florets broccoli, julienned carrots into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 cup, cooked lentils
- 1 cup, florets broccoli
- 1 cup, julienned carrots
- 1, sliced bell peppers
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Toss in 1 cup julienned carrots and 1 cup broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add 1 sliced bell pepper and 1 cup cooked lentils. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tsp sriracha, and 1/4 cup water. Pour over the stir-fry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
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 Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce 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.
What goes well with Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
Mediterranean mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.