Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Vibrant stir-fried vegetables coated in a nutty, tangy sauce, served over rice. This asian-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes blends florets broccoli, sliced (julienne) carrots, sliced red bell pepper 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 390 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 florets broccoli
- 1 cup sliced (julienne) carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 cup broccoli florets and 1 cup sliced carrots, stir-frying for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas. Cook for 2 more minutes until vegetables are bright and slightly charred.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth. Pour over vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Toss with 3 cups cooked white rice until fully combined and heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut 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 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with 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 Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with 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.
Is Rainbow Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
