Description
This vibrant Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick and healthy Asian-inspired vegetable dish featuring tender-crisp zucchini, sweet red bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, tossed in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. Perfect as a main course or a side, it’s easy to customize and ideal for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice the zucchini into half-moons, slice the red bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic cloves to have all your ingredients ready for a quick stir fry.
- Heat the oil and cook aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes. Cook until the zucchini is tender-crisp, maintaining a slight crunch and vibrant color.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce if using, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, and optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the stir fry from heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a low-sodium option, substitute regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce.
- Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for more variety and nutrition.
- This stir fry pairs nicely with steamed rice, noodles, or protein options like grilled chicken or tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg