Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables with Peanut Sauce
A vibrant medley of colorful vegetables in a savory-sweet peanut sauce, ready in under 20 minutes for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes blends broccoli florets, snap peas, medium, julienned carrot 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 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups, mixed colors, thinly sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup, chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups broccoli florets, 2 cups mixed bell peppers, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 cup julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and slightly charred.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped peanuts before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables with Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables with Peanut 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 Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables with Peanut 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 Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables with Peanut Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Rainbow Vegetables with Peanut Sauce?
Asian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved how quick and easy this was. The sauce came together in minutes and the veggies stayed crisp.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. My kids ask for it every time!
- ★★★★★
The rainbow vegetables were so vibrant and the peanut sauce was a perfect balance of sweet and savory. My family devoured it!
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