Spicy Garden Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame

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

A quick stir-fry showcasing a variety of colorful peppers with garlic and toasted sesame oil for a fragrant, spicy vegetable dish. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 20 minutes pairs Mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green), Garlic cloves, Ginger root for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups sliced mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green) and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the peppers soften but remain crisp, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt, tossing to coat the peppers evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately as a side or over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Garden Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Spicy Garden Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Garden Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Spicy Garden Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame 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 Spicy Garden Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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