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Stir-fry recipes have always held a special place in my heart—they’re fast, versatile, and perfect for those nights when you need a healthy meal in a pinch. This Vegetable Stir Fry recipe is no exception! Inspired by a craving for vibrant, crisp veggies paired with a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is a fantastic way to make sure you’re getting your greens. It’s perfect for a light dinner or lunch and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable stir fry is the definition of quick and easy. The combination of baby corn, water chestnuts, and colorful bell peppers offers a mix of textures and flavors, while the soy-based sauce adds that umami richness we all crave in a good stir fry. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe—feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stir fry:
- 15 oz canned baby corn, drained
- 8 oz canned water chestnuts, drained
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 1/2 red bell pepper, washed and sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, washed and sliced
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp chopped garlic in olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
What Makes This Stir Fry Stand Out?
- Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly complements the salty soy sauce and the subtle heat from the red pepper flakes.
- Quick Cooking Time: This dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatility: You can easily swap in other vegetables or add protein like tofu or chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add 3 tbsp chopped garlic in olive oil and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Toss in the baby corn, water chestnuts, frozen broccoli, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
- Sauté the veggies for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

2. Create the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly.
3. Simmer and Serve
- Cover the pan and let the vegetables simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once the veggies are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the lid.
- Serve the stir fry over sticky rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like a bit of extra crunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- Prep Everything First: Stir fry moves quickly, so have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- High Heat for Crispy Veggies: To get that perfect, slightly charred texture on your veggies, make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots—whatever you have in the fridge!

Serving Suggestions
This stir fry is a complete meal when served over rice, but here are some ideas to elevate it:
- Top with a fried egg for added protein.
- Serve with a side of miso soup to make it a more filling meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or iced green tea for a refreshing drink option.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping an eye on their nutrition, here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works just as well—just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s tender.
How do I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This stir fry keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for the best texture.

More Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed this Vegetable Stir Fry, you’ll love these other delicious dishes:
- Beef Stroganoff: Easy One-Pot Recipe – A hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Grilled Salmon with Shallot Dill Sauce – Light, flavorful, and perfect for a summer dinner.
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo: The Ultimate Comfort Dish – Rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying—this dish is a family favorite!
Be sure to check them out and add some new favorites to your meal rotation!
Conclusion
I can’t wait for you to try this easy Vegetable Stir Fry! It’s a delightful way to add more veggies to your diet and makes for a satisfying, healthy meal that fits perfectly into your weekly meal plan. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts, and let me know if you made any fun variations. Happy cooking! 🍴
Last Step! If you loved this recipe, leave me a review below. This helps future recipe makers and ensures continued high-quality recipes for years to come!


Craving more veggie goodness? Give this stir fry a try and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on Pinterest.

Quick and Easy Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Quick and Easy Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe is a vibrant, healthy dish packed with a mix of fresh and canned veggies, coated in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a light dinner or lunch, this stir fry is ready in just 20 minutes and is easily customizable to include your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 15 oz canned baby corn, drained
- 8 oz canned water chestnuts, drained
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 1/2 red bell pepper, washed and sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, washed and sliced
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp chopped garlic in olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add baby corn, water chestnuts, broccoli, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the pan, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cover the pan and let the vegetables simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
- Serve the stir fry over sticky rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for variety.
- For added protein, toss in some tofu or chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0