Vegetable Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce – Vegan Recipes for Dinner

Okay, I have a confession: I might be a little obsessed with garlic sauce. There’s something about that rich, savory, garlicky punch that just lights up any vegetable on the plate. This stir fry recipe is my go-to when I want something fast, flavorful, and packed with vibrant veggies that still have a satisfying crunch. Plus, you don’t need a million ingredients or fancy gadgets—just a good wok or skillet, some fresh produce, and a quick homemade garlic sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell like a cozy corner of Asia. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be sneaking in extra veggies every night!

Quick Facts

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

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button work great)
• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed (optional for added protein)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but lovely)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the cubed tofu (if using) and stir-fry until golden and slightly crispy on all sides—this usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep that lovely texture intact.

Step 2:

Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the hot pan. Stir them around until you get that intoxicating smell of garlic filling the air, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it turns bitter fast!

Step 3:

Next, add the rest of your veggies: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms. Stir frequently to keep things crisp-tender and colorful. This step should only take about 3-4 minutes; you want them to still have a little snap.

Step 4:

While the veggies cook, whisk together the garlic sauce ingredients in a small bowl—soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch slurry. Once your veggies are nearly done, pour the sauce into the pan.

Step 5:

Quickly toss everything so the sauce coats every piece, and let it bubble and thicken for about 2 minutes. If you added tofu, now’s the time to toss it back in to soak up all that garlicky goodness.

Step 6:

Give it a final stir, sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, and remove from heat. Serve hot, straight from the pan—and get ready for the symphony of savory, sweet, and garlicky flavors.

Variations & Tips

• Swap tofu for tempeh or your favorite plant-based protein.
• Feel free to toss in other crunchy veggies like zucchini, baby corn, or water chestnuts.
• Don’t have fresh garlic? Use garlic powder but reduce quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
• Use tamari if you need a gluten-free version.
• If you like it spicy, add a splash of Sriracha or a diced chili pepper.
• For a nuttier twist, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

How I Like to Serve It

I love spooning this stir fry over a bed of steaming jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa for a wholesome meal. On busy weeknights, I’ll throw it in a wrap with some crunchy lettuce for an easy lunch. It also pairs wonderfully with simple miso soup and a side of steamed edamame for a cozy plant-based dinner.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to keep the veggies crisp.
• If your veggies release too much water, drain excess liquid before adding the sauce to avoid a soggy stir fry.

Closing: This vegetable stir fry with garlic sauce always feels like a little homemade celebration—simple, bright, and bursting with flavor.