Garlic Zucchini and Yellow Squash Stir Fry

This Garlic Zucchini and Yellow Squash Stir Fry is an easy vegetable side dish made with tender-crisp summer squash, plenty of fresh garlic, salt, and black pepper. It's simple, fresh, and comes together in about 15 minutes! You can keep the seasoning light to let the squash shine, or add a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra savory flavor.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Make Garlic Zucchini and Yellow Squash Stir Fry
• Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Squash
• Flavor Variations
• What to Serve with Zucchini and Yellow Squash Stir Fry
• Storage and Reheating
• Garlic Zucchini and Yellow Squash Stir Fry Recipe
• Pin for later!

This is a great recipe to make during the summer when zucchini and yellow squash are plentiful, but it's easy enough to enjoy any time of year.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: The entire dish is ready in about 15 minutes.
• Simple ingredients: You only need zucchini, yellow squash, garlic, oil, and seasonings.
• Easy to customize: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili crisp, or your favorite stir-fry seasoning.
• A versatile side dish: Serve it with rice, noodles, chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, or tofu.
• A great way to use summer squash: Perfect when your garden or grocery store has plenty of zucchini and yellow squash.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need:

Zucchini and Yellow Squash

I use one medium zucchini and one medium yellow squash. Cut them into evenly sized half-moons so they cook at the same rate.

Try not to slice them too thinly. Slightly thicker pieces hold their shape better and are less likely to become mushy.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic is the main flavor in this simple stir fry. I use four cloves, but you can add more or less depending on how garlicky you like your vegetables.

Cooking Oil

Use a neutral cooking oil with a relatively high smoke point, such as avocado, vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Salt and Black Pepper

Salt and pepper are all you need for the basic version of this recipe.

Optional Sauces

For more savory flavor, you can add:

• Light soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Vegetarian oyster sauce

Because these sauces contain salt, reduce the amount of added salt if you use them.

How to Make Garlic Zucchini and Yellow Squash Stir Fry

First, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

Add the zucchini and yellow squash. Spread the vegetables out as much as possible so they make contact with the hot pan.

Stir-fry for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender but still holds its shape.

Season with salt and black pepper.

For additional flavor, add a small amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce during the final minute of cooking. Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated.

Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Squash

Use Medium-High Heat

A hot pan helps the squash brown slightly instead of slowly steaming.

Don't Overcrowd the Pan

If the pan is too crowded, the zucchini and yellow squash will release moisture and become soft. Use a large skillet or wok so the vegetables have room to cook.

Avoid Overcooking

Zucchini and yellow squash cook quickly. Remove them from the heat while they are still slightly firm, since they will continue to soften as they sit.

Don't Slice the Squash Too Thinly

Very thin squash can quickly become mushy. Pieces around ¼ to ½ inch thick work well for stir-frying.

Add Sauces Sparingly

Zucchini contains a lot of water, so you only need a small amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce. Too much liquid can make the dish watery.

Flavor Variations

Soy Sauce

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of light soy sauce for a simple savory flavor.

Oyster Sauce

Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce for a richer, slightly sweet and savory version.

Spicy

Add crushed red pepper, sliced fresh chili peppers, chili oil, or chili crisp.

Sesame

Drizzle a small amount of toasted sesame oil over the squash after removing it from the heat.

Add Protein

Turn this into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu.

Cook the protein first, remove it from the pan, and add it back once the squash is almost finished.

What to Serve with Zucchini and Yellow Squash Stir Fry

This easy vegetable stir fry goes well with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Fried rice
• Noodles
• Grilled teriyaki chicken
• Pan-fried pork chops
• Beef stir fry
• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Tofu

It also works well as part of a larger family-style Asian meal.

Storage and Reheating

Allow the leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat the squash briefly in a skillet over medium heat. You can also microwave it, but the vegetables may become softer.

This dish is best enjoyed freshly cooked because zucchini and yellow squash release more moisture as they sit.

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