Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame
Quick-cooked vegetables in a savory sesame sauce, ideal for busy weeknights and picky eaters. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs cut into small florets broccoli, thinly sliced on the diagonal carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, cut into small florets broccoli
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced on the diagonal carrots
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup, ends trimmed snap peas
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup sliced carrots, 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers, and 1/2 cup snap peas, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant.
- Step 3: Whisk 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then pour over vegetables. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly until sauce coats vegetables evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Sesame?
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 thinly sliced bell peppers from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame?
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 Sesame 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.
What goes well with Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame?
Asian 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
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to vegetarian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
