Healthy Stir Fry Recipes with Homemade Sauces

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Stir Fry Recipes with Homemade Sauces are perfect for quick, nutritious meals that are packed with flavor and fresh ingredients. Stir fries are versatile, allowing you to use a variety of vegetables, proteins, and custom sauces to suit your taste and dietary preferences. With homemade sauces, you can skip preservatives and excessive sodium, making your meals both wholesome and delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

broccoli bell pepperscarrots snap peas mushrooms zucchini onionsgarlicgingerchicken breast (or tofu/shrimp)olive oil or sesame oil

For the Classic Garlic Ginger Sauce:

low-sodium soy sauce rice vinegar honey or maple syrup garlicginger cornstarch water

For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:

natural peanut butterlow-sodium soy sauce rice vinegar sriracha garlic water

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

low-sodium soy saucehoneygarlic ginger cornstarchwater

directions

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add protein of choice (chicken, tofu, or shrimp) and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside.

Add chopped vegetables to the skillet and stir fry for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.

Return the cooked protein to the skillet.

Pour in your selected homemade sauce and stir well to coat evenly.

Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve immediately over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap out veggies for seasonal or preferred options like bok choy, green beans, or cabbage.

Use tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas for a plant-based protein.

Add a dash of lime juice or zest for brightness.

Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

Healthy Stir Fry Recipes with Homemade Sauces

FAQs

Can I make the sauces ahead of time?

Yes, all sauces can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.

Can I freeze stir fry?

Stir fry can be frozen, though the texture of vegetables may soften slightly after thawing.

What oil is best for stir fry?

Sesame oil adds great flavor, but olive or avocado oil also work well.

Are these sauces gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

How do I prevent soggy vegetables?

Cook at high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan to keep veggies crisp-tender.

Do I need a wok?

No, a large skillet works just as well for stir frying.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking.

Are these stir fries low-carb?

Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.

Can I adjust spice levels?

Definitely. Increase or decrease sriracha or red pepper flakes as desired.

What’s the healthiest protein to use?

Lean options like chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp are ideal for a healthy stir fry.

Conclusion

Healthy Stir Fry Recipes with Homemade Sauces offer a flexible, quick, and flavorful way to nourish your body while enjoying your meal. By customizing the veggies, proteins, and sauces, you can create endless combinations that keep weeknight dinners exciting and satisfying.

Print
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Healthy Stir Fry Recipes with Homemade Sauces

Healthy Stir Fry Recipes with Homemade Sauces

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A collection of healthy stir fry recipes featuring homemade sauces for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or tofu, cubed
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken or tofu and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Return chicken or tofu to the pan.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry.
  7. Pour the sauce over the stir fry and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  8. Serve hot over brown rice or quinoa.

Notes

  • Swap vegetables with what’s in season or on hand like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
  • For a spicier version, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
  • Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.