Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Fun Shapes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli cut into playful shapes are tossed in a savory-sweet sauce for a meal that's as joyful to eat as it is to make. This asian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs florets broccoli, trimmed snap peas, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil and heat until shimmering. Add 2 garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup snap peas, 1/2 cup red bell pepper slices, and 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper slices to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), and 1/4 cup water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, then cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch coins (about 1 cup), and stir-fry for 2 more minutes until the zucchini is just tender but still holds its shape.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped peanuts.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Fun Shapes 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Fun Shapes?

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 florets broccoli from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Fun Shapes?

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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Fun Shapes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Fun Shapes 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes