Healthy Easy Zucchini Stir-Fry (Print Version)

Vibrant stir-fry of spiralized zucchini and fresh vegetables coated in creamy peanut sauce for a quick, nutritious meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Spiralize zucchinis and carrots. Slice bell pepper, snap peas, and green onions as indicated. Chop cilantro and set all vegetables aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Start with 2 tablespoons warm water and add more 1 tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add optional splash of sesame oil for enhanced flavor.
04 - Add bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas to skillet. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
05 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles and toss gently for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Do not overcook to maintain noodle texture.
06 - Pour peanut sauce over vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until everything is heated through.
07 - Remove from heat and serve immediately. Top with chopped roasted peanuts, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent with that creamy peanut sauce, but your body knows you've made a genuinely smart choice.
  • Comes together faster than takeout, which means weeknight dinners stop feeling like a negotiation with yourself.
  • The vegetables stay crisp and vibrant, not mushy or sad, because everything happens in minutes.
02 -
  • Zucchini noodles release water as they sit, which means this dish waits for no one; make it just before you're ready to eat.
  • Don't let the zucchini stay in the hot pan longer than necessary, or you'll end up with a soggy pile instead of a crisp stir-fry.
  • The peanut sauce thickens slightly as it cools, so if it seems too thick when you're mixing it, it's probably perfect.
03 -
  • Room temperature peanut butter incorporates into the sauce so much more smoothly than cold, so let it sit on the counter for ten minutes first.
  • If your sauce breaks or looks grainy, warm it gently in the microwave for twenty seconds and whisk again; it'll come back together.
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