Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry

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

A colorful and protein-packed stir-fry with lentils, broccoli, carrots, and a spicy ginger-soy sauce. This asian-inspired asian fusion (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs lentils, broccoli, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a pot, simmer lentils in water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add broccoli florets, carrots, and bell pepper slices. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
  3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Add cooked lentils and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Lentil and Vegetable 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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Lentil and Vegetable 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 Spicy Lentil and Vegetable 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.

Is Spicy Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes