This stir fry mixed vegetables is one of those simple dishes that works with almost any meal. It's quick, flexible, and a great way to cook whatever vegetables you already have in the fridge.
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The goal isn't a heavy sauce - it's lightly seasoned vegetables that stay crisp-tender and naturally sweet. You can serve it alongside rice, noodles, or richer mains when you want something fresh to balance the meal.
Why You'll Love This
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Uses whatever vegetables you have
- Light and not overly saucy
- Great side dish for many meals
- Easy beginner stir fry
About the Ingredients
Vegetables
You can mix and match freely. A good combination usually includes:
- something crunchy (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
- something sweet (carrots, bell pepper, corn)
- something soft (mushrooms, zucchini)
Try not to overcrowd with only soft vegetables or they'll release too much water.
Garlic
Adds aroma and makes the dish taste complete even with minimal seasoning.
Oil
Neutral cooking oil works best.
Seasoning
This is intentionally simple:
- salt (clean flavor)
- optional soy sauce (savory)
- optional oyster sauce (richer, restaurant style)
Water or Stock
A small splash helps steam thicker vegetables so they cook through without burning.
How to Stir Fry Mixed Vegetables (Step by Step)
1. Prep vegetables
Cut vegetables into similar bite-size pieces so they cook evenly.
2. Heat pan
Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add oil.
3. Cook aromatics
Add garlic and stir briefly until fragrant (about 10 seconds).
4. Add hard vegetables first
Add carrots, broccoli stems, or cauliflower. Stir fry 1-2 minutes.
5. Add remaining vegetables
Add softer vegetables and mushrooms.
6. Steam briefly
Add a small splash of water and cover for 1-2 minutes.
7. Season
Add salt to taste and optional soy sauce or oyster sauce.
8. Finish stir fry
Stir fry uncovered until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Serve immediately.
Stir Fry Mixed Vegetables Recipe
A quick and flexible stir fry vegetables dish with garlic and light seasoning. Crisp-tender, fresh, and easy to pair with rice, noodles, or any main - a reliable everyday vegetable side.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, etc.)
- 2–3 tablespoon water or stock
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoon soy sauce or 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and stir briefly.
- Add harder vegetables first and stir fry 1–2 minutes.
- Add remaining vegetables.
- Add water and cover 1–2 minutes.
- Season with salt and optional sauces.
- Stir fry until crisp-tender and serve.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or vegetables will steam instead of fry
- Cook harder vegetables first
- Keep heat fairly high
- Stop cooking while vegetables still look bright
- Add sauce lightly - vegetables should taste fresh, not coated
Recommended Products
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Wan Ja Shan Vegetarian Mushroom Oyster Sauce, 33.8 fl. oz. VEGAN. NON-GMO. NO MSG ADDED. 100% Naturally Brewed. No Chemical Soy Sauce.No Caramel Coloring. -
Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce, 33.8fl.oz
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Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware, Flat-Bottom Wok, 10-Inch, Black - 1877054
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 147Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 351mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 7gSugar: 6gProtein: 4g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Veggie Recipes!
Looking for more easy vegetable dishes? Try these next:
Spinach and Mushroom Stir Fry - A light and healthy veggie side packed with garlic and umami flavor.
Okra Stir Fry - A quick garlicky stir fry with dried chili peppers. Fast, flavorful, and ready in about 10 minutes.
Oven Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini - Tender roasted vegetables tossed with simple seasonings - an easy, hands-off veggie side.
Vegetable Dashi Soup - A clean, comforting kombu broth with simple vegetables. Gentle, nourishing, and ready in 15 minutes.
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