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Easy Stir Fry Vegetables is the kind of dish you’ll love having in your back pocket for a quick meatless-Monday meal, any day of the week!
This is one of those ‘lost but never forgotten’ recipes I used to make all the time. I remember that my kids always enjoyed it, so if they’ll eat it, I bet your kids will too! Who doesn’t love a true 15 minute meal loaded with tender crisp broccoli, carrots, onions, and water chestnuts coated in a tangy, sweet sauce, then topped with cashews and served over a bowl of rice? Did I mention it’s healthy too?
First, you don’t have to limit this dish to just broccoli, onions and carrots. Feel free to clean out the vegetable drawer and cook up whatever you have on hand. Peppers or snow peas are terrific additions and if you have leftover chicken, toss it in too.
The sauce is easily doubled, which is always the right thing to do when serving these tasty Easy Stir Fry Vegetables with rice!
I don’t often see water chestnuts used in recipes any more, but I still love the crispy crunch. Don’t forget the cashews and a few toasted sesame seeds. This is the perfect easy-to-make vegetable dish that doubles as a meatless main. It’s adaptable to just about any vegetable, or any protein including tofu.
Finally, you might want to set the table before the vegetables are chopped and the sauce is blended, because this cooks in about 5 minutes!
Don’t forget your PIN!

Easy Stir Fry Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound broccoli
- 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
- 3 small carrots, cut into matchstick strips
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons lite soy sauce
- 1 (1-inch) piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- 1/4 cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a 1 cup measure, combine the honey, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and ginger. Set aside
- Separate broccoli into florets. Slice the broccoli stems into matchstick strips.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add canola oil and heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli stems, carrots and onions to the skillet and stir fry until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Add the broccoli florets and water chestnuts and stir for 1 minute or until the broccoli florets turn bright green in color.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir the soy sauce mixture and pour over the vegetables. It will thicken quickly so be ready to gently stir the vegetables so they will all be coated in the sauce. If you feel it's too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan. Gently stir until all vegetables are coated.
- Serve the vegetables as a side dish or over rice for a meatless main. Sprinkle with a few cashews and sesame seeds and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
Here are a few more stir fry recipes you might enjoy:
- 40 Basic Stir Fry Sauce Recipes ~ from Seasons & Suppers
- 15 Minute Lo Mein ~ from Pinch of Yum
- Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry ~ from Damn Delicious
- Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry ~ from Saving Room for Dessert
These are a few of our favorite kitchen tools used to make this dish (each photo is clickable):
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Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you have a terrific week 🙂
Tricia
Susan says
I always used to have a can of water chestnuts in the pantry. I remember making ramaki with them often 🙂 I love seeing all those beautiful vegetables peaking out of the luscious sauce. Delish!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you so much Susan! Have a terrific Super Bowl weekend 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
This would definitely make a lovely dinner and I think I’d make a double batch, just to have the leftovers for lunch the next day, YUM! I’m with you, I think water chestnuts are wonderful!
Tricia Buice says
We are a leftover family too Chris. Who wants to cook every single day 🙂 Have a terrific weekend and if you’re having a super bowl party – I hope all your food turns out amazing!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
I go in waves with stir-fries — I’ll cook a bunch for a few months, then it’ll be a year before I make another one. Weird. Anyway, it’s been way too long since I’ve made one — you’ve inspired me! Really like that jolt of apple cider vinegar in your sauce — terrific idea. Thanks!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks John – the apple cider vinegar gives this stir fry a nice bite … your word “jolt” is probably a very good description! Thanks again – have a nice weekend.
Monica says
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I don’t really like water chestnuts but there’s a good chance I’d enjoy it if you made it for me. ; ) Your stir-fry looks perfect, Tricia. That sauce is the perfect “glazey” consistency. I do adore all kinds of stir-fry when the veggies are still bright and crisp. I also think cashew nuts add so much to it. Yum!
Tricia Buice says
I was wondering if you like water chestnuts Monica – especially since you love chestnut cream – not the same I know! Thanks so much!
Pam says
Great recipe, Tricia! Love the crunchiness of it, the colors and all the good flavors. And easy works for me! Thanks for the recipe!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Pam! This is a nice quick dish with plenty of flavor. Thanks for stopping by!
sippitysup says
I just bought a beautiful new Staub cast iron wok. It was entirely too expensive. But, thanks to you, I can now justify my overindulgence! Of course, I’ll need to make this meal every day for a year to justify it. I’ll worry about that later. GREG
Tricia Buice says
Hi Greg – your wok sounds amazing – I’m going to check it out and I can’t wait to see what you cook in it! A great piece of kitchen equipment can’t be beat. Take care!
Larry says
Great shots of a delicious looking dish Tricia. We’ve been eating a little more rice lately so this will fit right it.
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Larry! Rice is such an easy side dish, we should eat it more often. Have a terrific week.
Gerlinde/Sunnycovechef says
Yummy, this looks fantastic. I can never get my man to eat kale but I won’t give up trying. Have a wonderful week.
Tricia Buice says
Large kale leaves are not my favorite either – but maybe he would eat Swiss Chard. Spinach would be a great substitute too. Have a lovely week!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
What a great recipe. I love water chestnuts and always have a few cans in the pantry! You better get used to stir fry, because that’s all you will have in China. BTW-my son told me that’s the hardest race on the planet, so kudos to your son!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Abbe! Our son has turned into a real athlete and it’s inspiring for all of us. I thought it was a good time to start practicing with chop-sticks 🙂
2 Sisters Recipes says
Our kind of meal Tricia, looks delicious and we love your photos – magnificent!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you!
cheri says
What a delicious way to celebrate veggies, love that you added water chestnuts, gorgeous dish Tricia!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Cheri! I love your comment – celebrate veggies sounds perfect 🙂
Velva says
Love, love stir fry vegetable meals. This is a perfect way to use what’s left in the produce drawer and pantry. Your stir fry dish looks beautiful.
Velva
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Velva – hope you’re doing great!
Liz Berg says
I love the double crunch from the water chestnuts and cashews. I’d happily eat this any day of the week!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Liz – me too 🙂
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
I may be Italian and love all dishes from Italy, but I can’t resist stir-fry. I could have it every night! Your recipe looks fantastic.
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Marisa 🙂 I love all things Italian too and your dishes look amazing. Can’t wait to try a few, or twenty!
tanna says
Beautiful, appetizing colors! And, five minutes! Gotta love that! Thank you, Tricia! blessings and hugs ~ tanna
Tricia Buice says
Hi Tanna! Thank you so much 🙂 Blessing and hugs to you and yours as well. One day I hope to give you a big hug in person 🙂
Michael says
Looks great Tricia!! Love stir fry vegetables!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Michael! So great to talk to you again – have a wonderful week.
Mandy says
Absolutely scrumptious! And moreish.
Have a beautiful week Tricia.
🙂 Mandy xo
Tricia Buice says
Hi Mandy! So great to hear from you – hope you are doing well. This easy dish is very tasty and won’t be off the rotation again for a long time. Take care and thanks!
Monique says
Visions of Shanghai?:)
Tricia Buice says
YES! I need practice with chop sticks or I’ll have to sneak a spoon into my luggage! Have a lovely week Monique 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
It reminds me of cashew chicken that I love so much! This looks even better because it’s loaded with veggies!
Tricia Buice says
Yes! It is like cashew chicken without the spicy 🙂 Have a great day Angie!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Absolutely love this! This is my kind of meal any night of the week 🙂 Beautiful photos, too. Sharing!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Jennifer! Happy Monday 🙂