Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic-Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds
A vibrant medley of fresh vegetables quickly stir-fried in a savory garlic-soy sauce, finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying crunch. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 18 minutes blends broccoli florets, medium, julienned carrot, snap peas 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 150 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 julienned carrot, and 1/2 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp sesame oil, tossing to coat vegetables evenly. Add 1/4 tsp ground black pepper and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using, stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions over the stir-fry. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic-Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Garlic-Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds?
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 Garlic-Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds?
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 Garlic-Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic-Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.