Description
A quick and flavorful zucchini stir fry loaded with fresh vegetables and a savory soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a light meal or as a tasty side dish, this recipe features tender zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and optional snap peas sautéed to crisp-tender perfection and garnished with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or thin rounds
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas (optional)
Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the zucchinis into half-moons or thin rounds, thinly slice the bell pepper and onion. Grate the ginger if using and mince the garlic to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the heated skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their fragrance.
- Add Zucchini: Toss the zucchini slices into the skillet and continue sautéing for another 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the zucchini is tender yet still slightly crisp. Adjust timing if you prefer softer zucchini.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until aromatic and slightly golden.
- Incorporate Sauces and Sweetener: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup if using. Stir thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors together perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the stir fry to a serving dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh finish and added texture.
- Enjoy: Serve the zucchini stir fry warm as a light, healthy meal on its own or paired with rice, quinoa, or noodles to make it more filling.
Notes
- Use sesame oil instead of olive oil for a more traditional Asian flavor profile.
- Snap peas are optional but add a nice crunch and sweetness if included.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Honey or maple syrup can be left out for a savory-only flavor.
- Cooking time can be extended slightly if you prefer softer vegetables.
