Regional California Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant medley of seasonal California vegetables stir-fried in a savory homemade garlic sauce, highlighting local produce flavors. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends broccoli florets, sliced carrots, snap peas 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 150 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves to create the garlic sauce.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup sliced carrots, 1/2 cup snap peas, and 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are bright and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir the garlic sauce once more and pour it over the vegetables. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth, then add to the skillet.
  4. Step 4: Cook and stir the vegetables and sauce for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot over rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Regional California Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Regional California Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Regional California Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Regional California Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Regional California Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce 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.

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