Vegetarian Delight
A vibrant and nutritious vegetarian stir-fry featuring colorful vegetables and a savory peanut sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a healthy lunch, it combines rich flavors and crunchy textures, topped with cashews for added crunch and protein, making it a satisfying plant-based dish.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. honey ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 c. zucchini ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cauliflower ⓘ
- 1/2 c. frozen corn ⓘ
- 1/4 c. red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 1 oz. cashews ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon water, and honey; blend and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced carrots and chopped onion; stir until onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, frozen corn, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the peanut butter mixture; cook until boiling, about 2 minutes.
- Add cooked brown rice; stir and cook until heated through.
- Top with cashews before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of coconut milk to the peanut butter mixture. You can substitute the peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile. Feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or snap peas, to customize this dish to your taste. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover veggies from your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Vegetarian Delight warm, garnished with additional cashews for crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed edamame or a fresh salad to balance the dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Wild Rice Patties. This dish is also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings, as it appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or heat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to maintain moisture. This dish is also suitable for meal prep, making it perfect for quick lunches during the week.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Delight contains roughly 1023 calories, with 12g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (232% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1375mg per serving (60% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Store the sauce separately in the refrigerator and combine with the cooked rice and vegetables just before serving to ensure freshness. This will help maintain the texture of the veggies and the creaminess of the sauce.
What can I use instead of brown rice?
If you prefer, you can substitute brown rice with quinoa for a gluten-free option, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Both options will work well with the flavors of the dish while providing a different texture and nutritional profile.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add heat by including red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the peanut sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste by starting with a small amount and increasing it gradually to suit your preference.
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).