Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry packed with colorful vegetables and a nutty sesame dressing that mimics a rainbow after a storm. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes blends uncooked brown rice, broccoli florets, sliced carrots 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 420 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1 cup uncooked brown rice according to package instructions. While rice cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp minced ginger in a small bowl.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 block cubed tofu and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 cups broccoli florets, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 1 cup sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, then add 1 cup snow peas. Continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet, pour in the sesame dressing, and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute until heated through. Serve over cooked brown rice and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Dressing?

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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Dressing?

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 Dressing 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Dressing?

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.

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