Description
A quick, vegetable-forward dish combining tender zucchini, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic in a glossy, alcohol-free soy-based glaze. The high-heat stir fry technique preserves vibrant colors and crunch while balancing savory and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Yellow Zucchini, 2 medium
Bell Pepper (Red/Orange), 1 large
Yellow Onion, 1 small
Soy Sauce, 3 tbsp
Minced Garlic, 4 cloves
Vegetable Oil, 2 tbsp
Chili Flakes, 1 tsp
Cornstarch, 1 tsp
Sesame Oil, 1 tsp
Instructions
Slice squash: Trim zucchini ends, cut lengthwise, then slice into 1/4″ half-moons. Spread on paper towels to absorb moisture.
Cut peppers: Remove seeds, dice into 1″ pieces. Rinse under cold water to remove bitterness.
Prepare onion: Thinly slice to maximize surface area for caramelization.
Heat wok: Over medium-high heat, add oil until shimmering. Gently brush oil up the sides for even heating.
Scorch garlic: Add garlic and chili flakes, stir 15-20 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Color onions: Add onions, stir fry 2 minutes until lightly golden.
Add zucchini and bell peppers to the pan; stir fry for 3-4 minutes, avoiding overcooking.
Porous soy sauce to the pan, tossing to coat vegetables.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry and add to the pan.
Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and gathers around the vegetables.
Remove from heat, stir in sesame oil.
Serve immediately, ideally over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
Notes
Occurs low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
Green bell peppers can replace red/orange peppers; adjust cooking time to avoid bitterness.
Use shallots instead of onions for a stronger garlic-complementary flavor.
Vegetable moisture is critical for sautéing—dry thoroughly before cooking.
Sesame oil should only be added at the end to preserve its nutty aroma.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Trending
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
