Healthy Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy vegetable stir-fry that can be prepared in just 20 minutes? This vegetable stir-fry recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick but nutritious. With just five ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and packed with vitamins.

The key to a successful vegetable stir-fry lies in the freshness of your vegetables and the cooking time; undercooked veggies can make or break this dish. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that is not only tasty but also incredibly good for you.

Ingredients

1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of snow peas, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the vegetables. Slice the red bell peppers and carrots into thin strips to ensure even cooking. Trim the ends off the snow peas, and remove any strings that might be present.

In a small bowl, mix together two tablespoons of olive oil along with minced garlic for the sauce. Heat up a pan over medium heat; add one tablespoon of oil from the mixture. Add all the sliced vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry until they start to soften and turn slightly browned on the edges.

Once your veggies have softened, transfer them into a plate. In the same pan, use the remaining olive oil from the sauce mix. Pour in the garlic mixture you prepared earlier; stir continuously for about two minutes until it becomes aromatic. Add back all of the cooked vegetables and toss well to combine everything thoroughly.

p>To finish off your dish, sprinkle some salt and pepper according to taste preferences. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Cooking Time: 20 Minutes

Number of Servings: 4-6 people depending on portion sizes

Nutritional Benefits

This stir-fry is not only quick but also nutritious. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. Carrots provide beta-carotene, which is essential for healthy eyesight and skin. Snow peas contribute to fiber intake, promoting digestive health. Garlic has been known for its antibacterial properties while offering a delightful flavor that enhances the dish.

Additional Tips

To make this stir-fry extra special, you could add some soy sauce towards the end of cooking. Just be mindful not to over-season with too much salt or sugar as it will mask other flavors in your dish.
If you prefer more heat, consider adding a dash of chili paste during the garlic stage when sautéing the vegetables.

Vegetable stir-fry is an excellent way to incorporate different types of vegetables into one meal without needing too much effort. Whether you're looking for a weekday dinner or want to impress guests with homemade cuisine, this simple yet satisfying dish does wonders at bringing everyone together around the table.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit any meat products such as chicken or tofu that might be included in your usual stir-fry menu.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to add some protein into the mix without significantly changing the taste profile too much, consider adding firm tofu towards the beginning stages of cooking along with vegetables.

Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes sticking to basics like fresh veggies and simple sauces can yield remarkable results. Try out this quick vegetable stir-fry today and enjoy a healthier lifestyle while enjoying delicious meals!