Stir-fried veggies are the perfect quick and healthy dish to whip up when you want something vibrant and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time, you can create a delicious side or main dish that's adaptable to whatever vegetables are in season.
Olive oil serves as the base for your stir-fry, giving the vegetables a nice, subtle flavor and helping them cook evenly. The seasonal mixed vegetables are the stars of the dish, bringing a variety of textures and tastes. Feel free to experiment with different combinations like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas depending on what you have or what's in season. The soy sauce adds a savory depth, while sesame seeds provide a hint of nuttiness and a bit of crunch. Garlic and ginger are the aromatic heroes here, infusing the dish with their unmistakable warmth and spice. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste to bring everything together.
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking, which usually takes about a minute or two. Once your oil is ready, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about a minute, stirring constantly. You'll know they're ready when your kitchen smells amazing and they're just starting to turn golden.
Next, add your mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep them moving around the pan so they cook evenly and don't burn. You're looking for them to be tender-crisp — cooked through but still with a bit of bite.
Once the vegetables are just right, drizzle the soy sauce over them. Stir everything well to make sure the veggies are nicely coated. This should only take about a minute. Then, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top and give it another quick stir, letting them toast slightly.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve immediately while everything's hot and fresh.
This stir-fry makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it over rice or noodles. You could also toss it with quinoa or couscous for a more filling option.