Ham-Zucchini Stir-Fry
A vibrant ham and vegetable stir-fry featuring zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers, perfect for a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal suitable for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. baked ham, sliced 1/4-inch thick, then cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 4 carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- In a wok or 10-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the sliced ham and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan. When hot, add zucchini, carrots, red bell pepper, and onion.
- Stir-fry until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add water, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until carrots and red pepper are crisp-tender.
- Return the ham to the pan, then add soy sauce, dry sherry, minced garlic, ground ginger, sugar, and chicken broth.
- Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then add to the stir-fry.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-sliced ham or frozen mixed vegetables. You can substitute the zucchini with yellow squash or bell peppers with snap peas for variety. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced chili peppers. This stir-fry can also be made with chicken; try it with the recipe for Teriyaki Chicken (Stir-Fry Chicken With Steamed Vegetables) for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of egg rolls or a simple salad for added crunch. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken Wings With Mushrooms, making for a delightful dinner spread that showcases various flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist. Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating without overcooking the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Zucchini Stir-Fry contains roughly 510 calories, with 11g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2601mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can elevate the dish with added flavor. Just toss them in at the end of cooking for a fresh taste. You can also experiment with different herbs that complement the ham and vegetables.
What if I don’t have dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, use additional chicken broth mixed with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of sherry.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and slicing the ham. However, it's best to cook the stir-fry just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).