Healthy Easy Zucchini Stir-Fry (Printable version)

A colorful stir-fry of spiralized zucchini with a tangy peanut sauce and crisp vegetables.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized (about 6 cups)
02 - 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 large carrot, julienned or spiralized
04 - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Peanut Sauce

07 - 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
08 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
15 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
16 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
18 - Additional cilantro or green onions

# How-To Steps:

01 - Spiralize zucchinis and carrots. Slice bell pepper thinly, trim snap peas and halve, and slice green onions. Chop cilantro if using.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Begin with 2 tablespoons warm water and add more in 1 tablespoon increments until sauce reaches smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of sesame oil if desired for enhanced flavor.
04 - Add bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are tender yet retain crispness.
05 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles and toss gently for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Avoid prolonged cooking to prevent noodles from becoming soggy.
06 - Pour peanut sauce over vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until all components are warmed through.
07 - Remove from heat immediately. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro. Serve at once.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 25 minutes, which means you can have dinner on the table faster than takeout delivery.
  • The creamy peanut sauce tastes restaurant-quality but comes together in a single bowl with no complicated techniques.
  • You actually feel energized after eating it instead of weighed down, which becomes addictive once you notice the difference.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the zucchini noodles—they release water the longer they sit in heat, turning your dinner into something soggy and sad by the time you finish plating.
  • Whisk your peanut sauce in advance and thin it gradually; trying to fix a sauce that's too thin at the last second while everything is hot and steaming is a recipe for frustration.
03 -
  • If your peanut butter is the thick, oily kind, let it come to room temperature before whisking so it actually incorporates smoothly instead of forming stubborn clumps.
  • Cook this dish just before serving—zucchini noodles are best the moment they're done, before they have time to release too much water and soften.
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