Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry

Name: Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced; 1 cup snap peas, trimmed; 2 carrots, julienned; 1 small zucchini, sliced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Highlighted under: Cross-Cultural Cooking

I love making Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry because it’s such a vibrant and colorful dish that brings together my favorite veggies with a delicious homemade sauce. The sweet and savory teriyaki flavors meld perfectly with crisp, tender vegetables, creating a meal that is both healthy and satisfying. Whether I’m enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this stir-fry always impresses. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy days.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:21:28.468Z

When I first experimented with creating my own Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry, I was on a quest to find a dish that was both healthy and bursting with flavor. I decided to mix a variety of colorful vegetables, each bringing its own unique taste and texture. I learned that balancing the sweet and savory notes in the teriyaki sauce is key; a touch of sesame oil adds depth while a dash of ginger brightens up the flavors!

I've found that using fresh ingredients really elevates the dish. The snap of fresh bell peppers and the crunch of broccoli against the rich sauce create a delightful eating experience. To make the meals even better, I serve the stir-fry over fluffy white rice or quinoa. Trust me; it makes for a wholesome meal that's easy to whip up any night of the week!

You'll Love This Because
Vibrant mix of fresh vegetables enhances the dish's appeal
Homemade teriyaki sauce is a healthier alternative to store-bought
Quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights

Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique

To achieve that perfect stir-fry texture, it's essential to work with high heat and a well-oiled pan. I recommend preheating your skillet or wok for a few minutes until it's hot, then adding oil just before adding your vegetables. This method helps in achieving a slight char on the veggies, enhancing their flavors and giving them a vibrant appearance. Don't overcrowd the pan; if you have more vegetables than can fit comfortably, consider cooking in batches to maintain that crisp-tender quality.

When adding your vegetables, toss them rather than stirring vigorously. This allows each piece to get contact with the pan and reduces the chances of steaming them. For optimal results, start with the denser vegetables like broccoli and carrots, since they take longer to cook, and progressively add those that require less cooking time, like zucchini and snap peas. This technique ensures that every ingredient is perfectly cooked without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Key Ingredients in Teriyaki Sauce

The combination of soy sauce and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup creates the signature taste of teriyaki. The balance of umami and sweetness elevates the vegetables, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, tamari can be used instead of soy sauce. Moreover, the rice vinegar adds a tangy kick that brightens the overall flavor, so don’t skip that ingredient unless absolutely necessary.

Ginger and garlic are crucial to providing aromatic depth in the sauce. Fresh ingredients are best; I prefer using minced ginger for a robust flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, ground ginger can suffice. Just remember to adjust the quantity, as ground ginger is more potent. Additionally, the cornstarch thickening mixture is vital in giving the sauce a glossy finish that clings to the vegetables beautifully.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan on making it ahead, I recommend keeping the sauce separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. When reheating, do so over medium heat in a pan, and add a splash of water to help steam and refresh the veggies, ensuring they don’t dry out.

For serving, this stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. To take it up a notch, consider adding sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor. Additionally, you can easily modify this dish—incorporate protein like tofu or chicken for a heartier meal, or swap out vegetables according to your preference or seasonal availability.

Ingredients

Vegetables

1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
2 carrots, julienned
1 small zucchini, sliced
2 green onions, sliced

Teriyaki Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and garlic. Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots; sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Then add snap peas and zucchini, cooking for another 3 minutes.

Add the Sauce

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the vegetables, stirring to coat. Bring to a simmer and add the cornstarch mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or quinoa.

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, consider sprinkling some sesame seeds over the dish just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing some of the vegetables listed, don’t worry! This stir-fry is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute asparagus for snap peas or use snow peas instead of bell peppers. Even leafy greens like bok choy or kale can be added towards the end of cooking for a nutritious twist. The key is to aim for a variety of textures and colors to keep the dish vibrant and appealing.

In case you're avoiding sugar, you could use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor while keeping the dish nutritious. If you don’t have sesame oil, olive or vegetable oil will work in a pinch, though it won’t provide the characteristic nuttiness. Consider toasting sesame seeds and sprinkling them on top for that flavor boost instead.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with stir-frying is ending up with soggy vegetables. This usually happens if the heat isn’t high enough or if the vegetables were added all at once. If you notice this happening, raise the heat and cook in smaller batches, ensuring a good, hot sear. Cook until the veggies are just tender but still bright and slightly crisp, usually around 8 to 10 minutes total.

Another concern can be the sauce being too thin or not coating the vegetables adequately. If this happens, it might be due to not allowing enough time for the cornstarch to work its magic. Simply continue cooking for an extra minute or two after adding the sauce to allow for thickening, and consider adjusting the cornstarch to water ratio in future batches if necessary.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorites like mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a week.