Vegetable Stir-Fry with Five-Spice
Crisp vegetables bathed in a fragrant five-spice glaze, ready in under 20 minutes for a vibrant weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, sliced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 145 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers and 1/2 cup sliced carrots, stirring for 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 4 minutes until vegetables are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Whisk 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tsp five-spice powder in a small bowl, then pour over vegetables. Toss for 1 minute until evenly coated and glossy.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Five-Spice take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Five-Spice?
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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Five-Spice?
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 Five-Spice 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 Five-Spice 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
- ★★★★★
I've made this twice already. The vegetables stay crisp and the sauce is just right.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The five-spice added a wonderful aroma without being too strong.
- ★★★★★
This stir-fry was a revelation! The five-spice blend made the vegetables sing. My whole family loved it.