Spicy Peanut Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper

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

A vibrant stir-fry bursting with crunchy broccoli and sweet bell peppers, tossed in a rich, spicy peanut sauce that clings to every bite. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs broccoli florets, red bell pepper, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot to the wok. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetables in the wok, tossing continuously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the vegetables evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped peanuts and 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Peanut Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 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 Peanut Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper?

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 broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Peanut Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper?

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 Peanut Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 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 Peanut Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 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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