Description
A quick and healthy Zucchini Stir Fry recipe featuring tender-crisp zucchini, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic garlic and ginger, all sautéed in flavorful olive and sesame oils. Perfect as a light main or side dish, it offers vibrant flavors and a nutritious boost, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasonings & Garnishes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to get hot.
- Sauté garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release their aroma.
- Cook onions: Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Add bell pepper: Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Cook zucchinis: Add the sliced zucchinis to the pan. Stir frequently, cooking for about 5-6 minutes until they become tender-crisp without turning mushy.
- Add sauces: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat all the vegetables evenly for a balanced flavor.
- Season and finish cooking: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring and cooking for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish: Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds for extra texture and nutty notes.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry hot immediately with your choice of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to keep sodium levels low if desired.
- Add your favorite protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make it more filling.
- Use high heat and do not overcrowd the pan to maintain vegetable crispness.
- Fresh herbs add a fresh contrast but can be omitted if not available.
