Spring Vegetable Stir Fry

Name: Spring Vegetable Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas; 1 carrot, julienned; 2 green onions, sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Highlighted under: Light Eating Recipes

I absolutely love making this Spring Vegetable Stir Fry. It brings together the freshest veggies from the market, and I can prepare it in just 30 minutes. This dish bursts with color and flavor, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. The great thing about stir fry is its versatility; I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand. Plus, the quick cooking method preserves the nutrients and crunchiness of the vegetables, creating a meal that's both healthy and delicious.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-04T18:10:27.737Z

When I first attempted this Spring Vegetable Stir Fry, I was amazed by how such a simple recipe could deliver such vibrant flavors and textures. I chose asparagus, bell peppers, and snap peas for their crunch and color. The crisp-tender finish makes the vegetables shine, and I have learned that using the freshest produce available truly enhances the overall taste.

One tip I picked up is to prepare all the ingredients beforehand, including chopping the vegetables and mixing the sauce. This streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to focus on perfecting that beautiful stir fry technique. Trust me, a hot wok and quick stir are key to achieving that perfect char and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and colorful dish that celebrates seasonal vegetables.
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
Deliciously versatile - customize with your favorite veggies!

Selecting the Best Vegetables

When it comes to stir-frying, choosing the right vegetables is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor. Fresh seasonal vegetables not only enhance the taste but also add vibrant colors to your dish. Look for asparagus with firm stalks and snap peas that are bright green and crisp. If you can’t find some of the listed veggies, feel free to substitute with broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers, which are also excellent for stir-frying.

To maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables, it's important to cut them uniformly. This ensures that they cook evenly. Aim for similar sizes and shapes; for instance, slice bell peppers into strips that match the length of asparagus pieces. If you're using tougher vegetables like carrots, julienning them helps reduce the cook time, allowing them to keep their delightful bite.

Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique

The key to a perfect stir-fry lies in high heat and quick cooking. Using a wok is ideal because its shape promotes even cooking and allows for tossing without spilling. Preheat your wok until it's shimmering; a good visual cue is seeing slight wisps of smoke. If it begins to smoke heavily or the oil starts to burn, your temperature is too high - lower it slightly to avoid bitterness.

When adding ingredients, start with the tougher vegetables like asparagus and carrots that require a longer cooking time. As you notice them becoming bright in color and slightly tender after about three minutes, add the remaining vegetables. Keep stirring vigorously for another 3-4 minutes. This technique not only cooks the vegetables but also ensures they retain their vibrant colors and nutritional value.

Ingredients

Vegetables

1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas
1 carrot, julienned
2 green onions, sliced

For the Stir Fry Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

Prep the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

Heat the wok

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add a splash of oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Stir fry the vegetables

Add asparagus and carrots first, stir-frying for about 3 minutes. Then add bell peppers and snap peas, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until all are crisp-tender.

Combine with sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute until heated through.

Serve and enjoy

Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately with rice or noodles if desired.

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also add protein like tofu or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave, which can make the vegetables soggy. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until heated through, just enough to restore their crispness without overcooking.

For longer storage, consider freezing the stir-fried vegetables. However, you should par-cook them slightly before freezing to preserve their texture. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up for 2-3 months. When ready to use, cook directly from frozen, increasing the stir-fry time by a couple of minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Spring Vegetable Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various grains. I often serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or with soba noodles tossed in sesame oil for added flavor. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This not only makes the meal heartier but also adds another layer of nutrition.

To elevate your meal, consider garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A drizzle of additional sesame oil can intensify the nutty flavor profile, making each bite memorable. Serve it alongside a light protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to round out the meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but fresh vegetables will provide the best texture and flavor.

→ How can I store leftover stir fry?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just ensure your stir fry sauce is free from animal products.

→ What's the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat in a pan on the stove for the best texture, or use the microwave if you're short on time.