Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chili Brown Sauce and Crushed Peanuts

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

A vibrant medley of zucchini, carrots, onions, and bell peppers stir-fried in a spicy, savory brown sauce, topped with crunchy peanuts for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This thai-inspired vegetarian ready in about 27 minutes blends large, sliced into half-moons zucchini, medium, julienned carrot, medium, thinly sliced onion 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 220 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.

Prep: 12 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced zucchini, 2 medium julienned carrots, 1 medium thinly sliced onion, 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 medium thinly sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and colors brighten.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp Thai chili paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 3 tbsp water in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chili Brown Sauce and Crushed Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (12 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chili Brown Sauce and Crushed Peanuts?

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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chili Brown Sauce and Crushed Peanuts?

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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chili Brown Sauce and Crushed Peanuts 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chili Brown Sauce and Crushed Peanuts 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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