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Vibrant Vegetable Stir-Fry with Balanced Sauce

This stir-fry features a colorful medley of vegetables quickly cooked at high heat, coated in a tangy, sweet, and umami-rich sauce. The dish combines crisp-tender textures with a glossy, flavorful coating, finished with aromatic sesame oil for a fragrant touch. It’s a simple yet vibrant meal that highlights the magic of well-balanced flavors and quick cooking techniques.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch broccoli florets bright green and crisp-tender
  • 1 large carrot julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper bell peppers sliced into strips
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce preferably dark, rich
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar adds brightness
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil adds toasty aroma at the end
  • 1 large carrot julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger finely grated

Equipment

  • Wok or deep skillet
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Start by heating your wok or deep skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil and swirl to coat the surface.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Sizzle loudly, releasing a fragrant, nutty aroma as they turn slightly golden around the edges, about 30 seconds.
  3. Quickly toss in the broccoli florets and julienned carrots. Stir constantly as they start to soften and develop a slight char, about 2-3 minutes. You should hear a gentle crackle and see the vegetables brighten in color.
  4. Add the sliced bell peppers and continue stirring. Cook until peppers are tender but still vibrant, about 2 minutes. The mixture should be fragrant and glossy.
  5. Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a teaspoon of sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the vegetables and stir quickly to coat everything evenly, creating a shiny, flavorful glaze.
  6. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the vegetables. The vegetables should remain crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
  7. Remove from heat and drizzle with an extra splash of sesame oil. Toss once more, then transfer to a serving dish.
  8. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, vibrant meal.