Transform your weeknight dinner with this 30-minute veggie stir fry!
This Quick Veggie Stir Fry with Cashews is your shortcut to restaurant-quality flavor. With broccoli, snap peas, and carrots tossed in a glossy soy-ginger glaze, it’s ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe’s quick assembly and colorful ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser. The cashews add a satisfying crunch, while the sweet soy glaze brings it all together.
What makes this recipe special? It’s designed for flexibility—you can swap veggies, add protein, or use pantry staples. Plus, the glossy finish and vibrant colors make it Instagram-worthy without any effort.
This stir fry pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or crusty bread. It’s a healthy, balanced meal that feels indulgent but requires minimal cleanup. Ready to make it your new weeknight staple?
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Speedy Assembly
Ready in 30 minutes with just 5 key ingredients. No marinating or prepping required.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable pantry staples like soy sauce, ginger, and cashews that keep well.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Crunchy texture from snap peas and cashews appeals to both kids and adults.
🌟 Flavor Balance
Sweet soy glaze with ginger and garlic creates a perfect umami-sweet harmony.
Quick Veggie Stir Fry with Cashews
Weeknight Dinner in 30 Minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 head broccoli (cut into florets)
- - 1 cup snap peas
- - 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- - 1/2 cup cashews (toasted)
- - 3 tbsp soy sauce
- - 2 tbsp honey
- - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- - 1 tbsp sesame oil
- - 1 tsp minced ginger
- - 1 clove garlic (minced)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Veggies: Steam broccoli florets for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Julienne carrots and blanch snap peas for 1 minute.
💡 Use a steamer basket for even cooking.
Make Sauce: Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
💡 Double the sauce for extra flavor.
Stir Fry: Heat wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add veggies and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
💡 Use a non-stick pan for easy cleanup.
Combine: Pour sauce over veggies, toss to coat. Add cashews and stir for 2 minutes until glossy.
💡 Cashews thicken the sauce naturally.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Soy Sauce
Provides umami depth. Use tamari for gluten-free option.
Substitutions: Coconut aminos for soy-free, Worcestershire sauce for extra tang.
Snap Peas
Adds crunch and sweetness. Can substitute with green beans or sugar snap peas.
Substitutions: Snow peas or fresh green beans.
Cashews
Provide creamy texture and mild sweetness. Toasting enhances flavor.
Substitutions: Peanuts or almonds for crunch, or omit for nut-free.
Sesame Oil
Adds nutty aroma. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Substitutions: Substitute with vegetable oil or toasted sesame oil.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stir Fry
🔥 High Heat Magic
Preheat your pan until it's smoking hot before adding oil. This sears veggies quickly and builds flavor.
🥢 Chop Uniformly
Cut all veggies to similar sizes so they cook evenly. This prevents some pieces from becoming mushy.
🍯 Thicken the Sauce
Add 1/2 tsp cornstarch to the sauce if you want a thicker, glossier finish.
🥄 Toss Continuously
Keep stirring during the sauce stage to prevent sticking and ensure even coating.
Variations & Customizations
Protein Boost
Add 1/2 lb cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
Spicy Kick
Mix in 1/2 tsp Sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
Vegetarian Twist
Replace cashews with roasted sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Gluten-Free
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify other ingredients are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Jasmine rice for a complete meal
- Steamed buns for wrapping up the stir fry
- Crunchy Asian slaw for added texture
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with chilled green tea or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the sauce and chop veggies up to 24 hours in advance.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked stir fry for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Sauce is too runny
A: Cook 1-2 minutes longer to reduce the sauce. Add 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.
Q: Veggies are too soft
A: Steam broccoli for only 2 minutes and blanch snap peas for 30 seconds instead.
Q: Cashews burn during cooking
A: Toast cashews separately first. Add them during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Q: How to make it spicier
A: Add 1/2 tsp chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Veggie Stir Fry with Cashews proves that healthy, flavorful meals can be made in minutes. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, it’s a weeknight winner that feels special enough for company. The glossy soy glaze and crunchy cashews create a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—this recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap in your favorite veggies or add protein to make it a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this stir fry is a reliable go-to that you’ll return to again and again.
