No-Fuss 20-Minute Stir-Fry (Printable)

Colorful 20-minute stir-fry with crisp veggies and protein, ideal for healthy weeknight dinners.

# Components:

→ Main

01 - 1 pound protein of choice (skinless chicken breast, firm tofu, raw shrimp, or thinly sliced beef), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 cup broccoli florets
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup green peas
06 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable oil), plus more if needed
09 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
10 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

→ Stir-Fry Sauce

11 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
15 - 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)

# Directions:

01 - Chop all vegetables and selected protein into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Mix well and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the prepared protein and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove protein from pan and set aside.
03 - Add a small additional drizzle of oil to the same pan if needed. Add broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, sliced carrot, and green peas. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; stir constantly for 30 seconds until aromatic.
04 - Return the cooked protein to the pan. Pour the reserved stir-fry sauce over all ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and glazes the mixture.
05 - Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just twenty minutes
  • Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner in a hurry
  • Uses flexible ingredients so you can adapt to what is in your fridge
  • Loaded with fresh vegetables and bursting with color
  • A family favorite that even picky eaters devour
  • Cleanup is a breeze with only one pan
02 -
  • High in fiber and nutrient-packed from all the vegetables
  • Extremely versatile and freezer-friendly if you make extra
  • Crowd-pleaser that works for almost any dietary need with simple swaps
03 -
  • Always prep all ingredients before you turn on the heat because stir-fries move fast
  • Crank your pan to medium-high and let the oil get truly hot before adding anything this prevents sticking and helps flavors develop
  • If using tofu press out extra moisture and dust pieces lightly with cornstarch for a crispier finish
  • Taste the sauce before adding and tweak the sweet or sour elements to make it perfect for your palate