Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the protein with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a vegetarian or vegan version. I've done it before and it's amazing!

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren't available. Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the stir-fry to prevent it from becoming too watery. No one likes a watery stir-fry, trust me.

How should I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Honestly, it's almost better the next day!

What can I use if I don't have soy sauce?

If you don't have soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives. They'll give you a similar savory flavor without the gluten or with a slightly different profile.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a little bit of heat. My husband always adds a ton, its crazy!

Let's be real, weeknights can be hectic. Between work, kids, and everything else life throws at you, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's where this Zucchini Zoom Stir-Fry comes in! It's quick, easy, healthy, and totally customizable. One of my friend's always has zucchini in her garden and it tastes amazing in this dish. Seriously, what's not to love? I've made this recipe countless times, and it's always a hit with my family.

This stir-fry is packed with fresh zucchini, colorful bell peppers, and a delicious savory-sweet sauce that will make your taste buds sing. You can add your favorite protein – chicken, shrimp, tofu, whatever floats your boat! I’ve even thrown in some leftover steak before, and it was phenomenal. It's a fantastic way to use up those veggies lurking in your fridge and create a meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. What does this mean for you? A stress-free dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes!

Zucchini Zoom Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

Name: Zucchini Zoom Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 medium, sliced Zucchini; 1 red, 1 yellow, sliced Bell Peppers; 1/2, diced Onion; 2 cloves, minced Garlic; 1 teaspoon, minced Ginger; 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce; 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil; 1 tablespoon Honey (or Maple Syrup); 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar; 1 teaspoon Cornstarch; 1 cup, cooked Chicken or Shrimp (optional); 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds; 2, chopped Green Onions; 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil

This Zucchini Zoom Stir-Fry is a quick and easy weeknight meal packed with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce. Customize with your favorite protein for a healthy and satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

📖 Instructions

First things first, get everything prepped! Chop the zucchini into half-moons, slice the bell peppers, mince the garlic and ginger, and dice the onion. Having everything ready to go makes the stir-fry process so much smoother. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling while your wok is smoking hot!
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps. This sauce is the key to that delicious, glossy finish we all love. I sometimes add a tiny bit of peanut butter for extra flavor.
If you're using chicken or shrimp, now's the time to cook it. In a wok or large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the protein and cook until it's cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set aside. No one likes undercooked chicken, so make sure it's done!
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok and crank up the heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about a minute, until fragrant. This is where the magic starts to happen! The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Add the sliced bell peppers and zucchini to the wok. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to have a little bit of bite, not be mushy. Nobody likes mushy veggies in a stir-fry.
Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and irresistible. If its not thickening, add a tiny bit more cornstarch mixed with water.
Return the cooked protein to the wok. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Make sure the protein gets nicely coated in that yummy sauce. We want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. And, most importantly, enjoy every single bite! This is the best part, duh.