Lemon Garlic Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
A bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Vegetable Stir Fry that combines crunchy broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers with a tangy lemon-garlic sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over steamed brown rice and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock or broth
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 1/2 cups chopped broccoli florets and peeled stems (about 1 large head)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 cups thinly sliced basil, plus more for serving
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- Steamed brown rice, for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds, for serving
- Microgreens, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable stock, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, soy sauce, dry sherry, fish sauce, cornstarch, and granulated sugar until combined. Set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Heat canola oil in a large nonstick frying pan over high heat until shimmering. Add chopped broccoli florets and carrots, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes until the vegetables are bright in color with some browned spots. Then add the chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir constantly and cook for about 2 minutes until the peppers soften around the edges but still retain some crunch.
- Add Sauce: Stir the sauce again to reincorporate the cornstarch and sugar. Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the sliced basil.
- Serve: Serve the vegetable stir fry hot over steamed brown rice. Garnish each serving with toasted sesame seeds, additional fresh basil, and microgreens if desired.
Notes
- Prep: Have all vegetables, ginger, garlic, and basil prepped and ready before you start cooking because the cooking process goes quickly.
- Doneness: Avoid overcooking the vegetables to keep them crisp. The veggies will continue to soften slightly when sauce is added and while plating.
- Lemon Juice: Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best bright, fresh flavor instead of bottled or jarred lemon juice.
- Make Ahead: Best enjoyed immediately but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot before serving.
