Budget Vegetable Stir Fry

Veggie • 15 Min • Budget

This Budget Vegetable Stir Fry turns simple, inexpensive ingredients into a colorful, delicious bowl in under 20 minutes. Lightly crisp veggies, a quick homemade sauce, and endless customization options make it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or end-of-week fridge clean-out.

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
• 1 cup snap peas or green beans
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp oil (canola or vegetable)

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp water (to loosen sauce)

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

• Steamed rice
• Noodles
• Extra protein: tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef

1. Make the sauce

Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water in a small bowl.
Set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add onion and carrots; stir-fry 2 minutes.
Add broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas; cook 4–6 minutes until crisp-tender.

3. Add the sauce

Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss well.
Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything.

4. Finish

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Large skillet or wok
• Knife & cutting board
• Small mixing bowl

• Vegetable swaps: Use whatever you have — mushrooms, zucchini, cabbage, frozen veggies, etc.
• Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha.
• More sauce: Double the sauce ingredients for a saucier stir fry.
• Protein boost: Stir in cooked tofu, chicken, or shrimp at the end.
• Low-sodium option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce.

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Best in a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of water.
• Freezing: Not ideal — some vegetables lose texture after thawing.

• Uses affordable, everyday ingredients
• Ready in 20 minutes
• Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables
• Great for meal prep
• Delicious, light, and veggie-packed

You may also enjoy our 5-Ingredient Tomato Basil Soup, try the 7-Ingredient Chickpea Stew, or go for a 8-Ingredient Shrimp Fried Rice.