Smoky Paprika Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry

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

Vibrant bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas simmered in a smoky-sweet sauce with toasted sesame notes for a colorful, satisfying meal. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs sesame oil, broccoli florets, snap peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup snap peas, 1 julienned medium carrot, and 1 thinly sliced small red onion. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant and edges of peppers begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl. Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups cooked brown rice, and toss until rice is evenly distributed and heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Paprika Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Smoky Paprika Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry?

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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Paprika Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry?

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 Smoky Paprika Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry 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 Smoky Paprika Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry?

American 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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