Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus Glaze
A vibrant, colorful stir-fry bursting with fresh vegetables and a zesty citrus glaze that makes cooking feel like playtime. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs red bell pepper, yellow squash, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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
- 1 cup, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons yellow squash
- 1 cup, julienned carrot
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup sliced yellow squash, 1 cup julienned carrots, and 1.5 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
- Step 4: Pour the citrus glaze mixture over vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats all vegetables within 2 minutes, with a glossy sheen.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus 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 red bell pepper from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus 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.
What goes well with Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Citrus Glaze?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
