Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Sauce

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

A vibrant medley of crisp-tender vegetables bathed in a savory ginger-sesame glaze for a colorful weeknight meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends medium red bell pepper, medium yellow bell pepper, broccoli florets 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 220 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 cup broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced, 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced, 1 medium carrot, julienned, and 1 cup snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced, and 3 garlic cloves, minced, to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and vegetables are evenly coated. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped scallions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame 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.

Is Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Sauce vegetarian?

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

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