Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce
A vibrant, nutrient-packed stir-fry featuring colorful vegetables in a savory-sweet sesame sauce, ready in 15 minutes. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes blends Broccoli florets, medium, julienned 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 145 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
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 2 medium, julienned Carrots
- 1, sliced Red bell pepper
- 1 cup Snow peas
- 1 medium, sliced Onion
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tsp, minced Ginger
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water to make the sauce.
- Step 2: Heat a wok over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tsp sesame oil, then add 2 cups broccoli florets and 2 julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snow peas, and 1 sliced onion. Stir-fry for 3 more minutes until vegetables are bright and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Pour sauce over vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes until thickened and glossy. Garnish with 1 tsp sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with 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 Veggie Stir-Fry with 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.
What goes well with Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce?
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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
