Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry Skillet
Colorful • Crunchy • Healthy • 25-Minute Meal
Description
This Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry Skillet is a bright, nutrient-packed dish bursting with color, texture, and fresh flavor. Loaded with crisp bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, purple cabbage, and snap peas, it’s tossed in a savory-sweet garlic soy sauce and cooked quickly to keep everything tender-crisp. It’s perfect as a light dinner, a vegan main, or a vibrant side dish with rice or noodles. Healthy, fast, and incredibly satisfying!
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Vegetables
Red bell pepper – 1, sliced
Yellow bell pepper – 1, sliced
Broccoli florets – 1 cup
Carrot – 1 large, julienned
Zucchini – 1 medium, sliced
Purple cabbage – 1 cup, shredded
Snap peas or green beans – 1 cup
Spring onions – 2, sliced
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
Honey or brown sugar – 1½ tbsp
Rice vinegar or lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Sesame oil – 1 tsp
Cornstarch – 1 tsp
Water – 3 tbsp
For Cooking
Olive oil or sesame oil – 2 tbsp
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Fresh ginger – 1 tsp, grated
Chili flakes – ½ tsp (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
Tofu, chicken strips, or shrimp
Cooked noodles or rice
Roasted peanuts or sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Honey
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Water
Set aside.
2. Heat the Skillet
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Aromatics First
Add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Firm Veggies First
Add broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
5. Add Soft Veggies
Add bell peppers, cauliflower (if using), zucchini, and cabbage. Cook another 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
6.Add Sauce
Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until glossy and thick.
Final Touch
Sprinkle spring onions and sesame seeds. Remove from heat.
Serving Ideas
Serve over steamed jasmine rice
Toss with stir-fry noodles
Add tofu or chicken for protein
Serve as a light vegetable side
Health Benefits
Rich in fiber, antioxidants & vitamins
Low in calories
Heart-healthy
Great for digestion
Naturally vegan and dairy-free
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I add protein to this stir-fry?
Yes! Add chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or eggs. Cook protein first, remove, then return at the end.
Q2: Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or extra chili flakes.
Q3: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Q4: Can I freeze this stir-fry?
Not ideal. Veggies become soft after freezing.
Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Q6: How can I keep the veggies crunchy?
Use high heat and avoid overcooking. Stir constantly.
Pro Tips
Prep all veggies before cooking
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Use a wide skillet or work
Add sauce only at the end for best texture