Save This vibrant Thai Peanut Vegetable Stir-Fry is my go-to for busy nights when I crave something colorful and comforting without fuss. The creamy peanut sauce hugs crisp-tender veggies for a meal that bursts with flavor and texture. You can pull everything together in one pan and dinner is genuinely on the table in about half an hour.
Making this dish the first time with the windows open and music playing felt like a mini vacation right at home. My family requests this on repeat especially when we want something satisfying but not heavy.
Ingredients
- Red bell pepper sliced: for natural sweetness and a pop of color Choose peppers with shiny skin and firm feel
- Yellow bell pepper sliced: offers extra sweetness and bright hue Look for ones without wrinkles
- Medium carrot julienned: brings subtle earthiness and crunch Thicker carrots slice up more evenly
- Broccoli florets: add satisfying bite and rich green color Pick deep green crowns with tight buds
- Sugar snap peas trimmed: deliver juicy crispness Make sure they are plump and brightly colored
- Small red onion sliced: gives an aromatic lift Avoid any that feel soft or smell sharp
- Garlic freshly minced: for deep savory taste Choose firm cloves with no green shoots
- Fresh ginger minced: brings warmth and zing Use plump pieces with smooth skin
- Creamy peanut butter: the star of the sauce Choose natural style for best flavor
- Soy sauce: adds umami depth Opt for low sodium if needed or tamari for gluten free
- Lime juice: for brightness Use fresh limes for best results
- Maple syrup or brown sugar: a hint of sweetness Maple syrup gives a subtle floral note
- Rice vinegar: gives gentle acidity Look for clear rice vinegar not seasoned
- Toasted sesame oil: for nutty complexity Always choose pure toasted sesame oil
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: for spicy kick Adjust to your comfort
- Water: thins out the sauce to perfect texture Use filtered water for clean taste
- Neutral oil for frying: vegetable oil works great for even cooking
- Roasted peanuts roughly chopped: for salty crunch Buy unsalted and roast your own for extra flavor
- Green onions sliced: for color and fresh bite Choose crisp stalks with no wilted tips
- Fresh cilantro leaves: optional for herbal finish Only use leaves that are fragrant and not yellow
- Lime wedges for serving: add a zing to the finished dish
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Sauce:
- In a small mixing bowl whisk the peanut butter soy sauce lime juice maple syrup rice vinegar toasted sesame oil sriracha and water together until completely smooth The sauce should be pourable but not runny so add more water a little at a time if it seems thick Set aside near your stove
- Prep Your Wok and Aromatics:
- Heat the neutral oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium high heat Give it at least a minute so it is shimmering before adding any ingredients Add the sliced red onion minced ginger and garlic Stir fry for a full minute until just starting to soften and you catch a waft of aromatic steam This builds a solid flavor base
- Stir Fry the Vegetables:
- Toss the carrots both bell peppers broccoli and sugar snap peas into the wok all at once Keep the heat high and stir vigorously for four to five minutes The vegetables should start to look glossy but remain crisp at the center If you like slightly softer veggies add another minute
- Sauce and Simmer:
- Pour the peanut sauce evenly over all the vegetables Toss everything together thoroughly using either tongs or a large spatula so each piece is nicely coated Let the stir fry cook two to three more minutes and watch as the sauce thickens and glazes the veggies Turn off the heat as soon as it reaches your ideal consistency
- Finish and Serve:
- Transfer the hot stir fry to bowls or a platter Top generously with roasted peanuts green onions plenty of cilantro leaves if using and lime wedges on the side Squeeze lime over each portion just before eating for maximum flavor
- Optional Add-Ons:
- For a heartier meal serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice or ladled onto cooked rice noodles
Save Once I made a double batch for a potluck and everyone crowded around asking for the recipe The secret was always an extra squeeze of lime over top right before serving
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce tends to thicken further so a splash of water when reheating restores the original texture Warm gently in a skillet for best results rather than microwaving
Ingredient Substitutions
Try zucchini mushrooms or baby corn in place of snap peas or broccoli Extra firm tofu or shelled edamame are perfect protein boosters If you are out of maple syrup brown sugar melts in perfectly Tamari can be swapped in for soy sauce for a gluten free meal
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry is delicious tossed with cooked rice noodles or over fragrant jasmine rice You can also serve it as a hearty side with grilled tofu or as part of a Thai inspired spread with spring rolls and a tangy cucumber salad
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Stir frying with bold peanut sauces is a beloved feature of Thai home cooking Loved for both the speed and flexibility this style makes for festive meals year round Use whatever is freshest in the market from spring asparagus to summer zucchini
Seasonal Adaptations
Choose in season bell peppers and snap peas for best texture Add sliced summer squash or sweet corn when abundant During winter try cabbage or cauliflower florets instead of broccoli
Success Stories
A friend once made this as a weeknight dinner for her book club and every guest left with the recipe Cardamom rice on the side was a surprise hit for soaking up the peanut sauce The dish is reliably loved by kids and grown ups alike
Freezer Meal Conversion
While best fresh stir fry leftovers can be frozen in portioned containers up to one month Defrost overnight and revive with a tablespoon or two of hot water during reheating Do not freeze with rice noodles as they can become mushy
Save The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a crowd pleaser It's a perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I add tofu or other proteins?
Yes! Stir in cubed tofu or edamame for extra protein, or add your favorite plant-based options.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase or decrease the sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the peanut sauce to suit your heat preference.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure all condiments are certified gluten-free for a gluten-free dish.
- → What vegetables work best?
Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are recommended, but zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn can be used.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or rice noodles pair well. Crisp green tea or Riesling are great beverage choices.
- → Are there allergy considerations?
This contains peanuts and soy. Use tamari for gluten-free needs, and always check ingredient labels for allergens.