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Vegetable Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce – Flavorful Recipes for Dinner

Okay, let me tell you—this Vegetable Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce is *the* answer to those “What’s for dinner?” nights when you want something fast, fun, and packed with flavor. The first time I made this, the rich, creamy peanut sauce had me hooked instantly, and the crunchy veggies made every bite so satisfying. Cooking it fills your kitchen with that warm, nutty aroma that just makes you smile. Plus, it’s a colorful medley of fresh textures—slightly crisp veggies swimming in a luscious, tangy sauce. Trust me, you’re going to want to have all your ingredients prepped ahead because this stir fry comes together in a flash and tastes like you spent hours on it!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil for extra flavor)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
Optional: 8 oz firm tofu, cubed or 1 cup cooked chicken breast for protein
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce / Garnish:

½ cup creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp sesame oil
¼ cup warm water (to thin the sauce)
Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional for a kick)
Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step wakes up the flavors and gets that amazing aroma going.

Step 2:

Throw in the harder veggies first—broccoli florets and carrots. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, letting them get tender but still crisp. If you’re adding tofu or cooked chicken, now’s a good time to toss it in to heat through.

Step 3:

Add the red bell pepper, snap peas, zucchini, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir everything constantly to keep the veggies bright and crisp, about 2-3 minutes more. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4:

While the veggies cook, whisk together all the sauce ingredients—peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and warm water. Adjust water to get a smooth, pourable consistency. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

Step 5:

Pour the peanut sauce over the stir-fried vegetables and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another minute so the sauce can warm up and stick to each bite of goodness.

Step 6:

Turn off the heat, sprinkle in the green parts of the green onions, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Give it a final gentle toss and serve immediately—preferably over steamed rice or noodles.

Variations & Tips

Swap in any veggies you have on hand: mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts work great.
If you want more protein, try shrimp or beef thinly sliced and stir-fried first.
For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Make it nut-free by using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Don’t overcook the veggies—aim for crisp-tender texture to keep the colors vibrant.
Use a wok if you have one; the high heat helps keep veggies from steaming and getting soggy.

How I Like to Serve It

This stir fry is perfect over a bed of steaming jasmine rice or tossed with soba noodles for a noodle bowl vibe. In spring and summer, I love serving it with a side of fresh cucumber salad to keep things light and refreshing. During chillier months, a warm miso soup and some steamed dumplings turn it into a comforting feast.

Notes

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
If sauce thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of warm water to loosen before serving.

Closing: This Vegetable Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce always delivers that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and a touch sweet—making it my go-to meal when I want something quick but truly satisfying.