Description
A vibrant and healthy Zucchini Stir Fry featuring fresh zucchinis, bell peppers, and snap peas sautéed in a flavorful garlic-ginger soy sauce. This quick and easy stir fry is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish, offering a delightful combination of tender-crisp vegetables and savory-sweet flavors.
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)
Flavors & Sauces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (optional)
- 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)
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 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 and mince the garlic to prepare all flavor ingredients.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Cook Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Zucchini: Add the zucchini slices and snap peas (if using) to the skillet. Continue sautéing for another 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until zucchini is tender yet still slightly crisp. Cook longer if softer texture is preferred.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the flavors infuse into the vegetables.
- Add Sauces and Sweetness: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup if using. Stir thoroughly to coat all vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Season: Season the stir fry with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow all flavors to blend well.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the stir fry to a serving dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro or green onions to add a final burst of flavor and texture.
- Enjoy: Serve the zucchini stir fry on its own for a light meal or alongside rice, quinoa, or noodles to create a heartier dish.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor if you want to substitute olive oil.
- Add snap peas or other fresh vegetables to increase nutritional value and variety.
- Adjust cooking time for zucchini depending on your preferred texture – softer or crisp-tender.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger groups.
