This colorful Peas and Peppers Stir Fry is quick, easy, and full of crunch! Bright green peas and vibrant peppers come together to make a tasty side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Who needs takeout when you can whip this up in no time? I love serving it with rice or noodles for a simple meal. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to eat more veggies—you won’t even notice! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh is best for a crunchy bite, but frozen works too! If you’re missing green beans, snap peas or broccoli florets would be nice substitutes, offering similar textures.
Bell Peppers: Any combo of colors looks great. Red, yellow, and green add sweetness and brightness. You can swap with other veggies like zucchini or carrots if on hand.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics boost flavor. Also, shallots are a lovely substitute for those who find onions too strong. Garlic powder can replace minced garlic in a pinch.
Mustard Seeds: Adds a nice crunch. You can skip them if you don’t have them or use sesame seeds instead for a different flavor.
How Can I Get My Vegetables Crisp-Tender?
The key to a great stir fry is cooking your veggies quickly over high heat while keeping them crisp. Here’s a quick guide:
- Preheat your skillet or wok well before adding oil; this creates that nice sear.
- Add aromatics like onion and garlic first, but don’t let them brown too much; we want them flavorful, not burnt.
- Introduce the firmer vegetables (like green beans) first, allowing more cooking time, then add softer veggies like bell peppers and peas.
- Stir constantly for even cooking and to prevent sticking. A splash of water or broth can create steam, helping them cook without losing crunch.
With these tips, you’ll have a colorful, crisp stir fry every time! Enjoy your healthy meal! 🌈
Peas and Peppers Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds or crushed black peppercorns (optional, for spice and texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Peas and Peppers Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10-15 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying this colorful and healthy dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot so the veggies stir fry nicely!
2. Add Mustard Seeds (if using):
If you’re using mustard seeds or crushed black peppercorns, add them to the skillet. Sauté them for a brief moment until they become fragrant, which will smell wonderful!
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these together until the onion becomes translucent—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Celery:
Now toss in the sliced celery and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until it starts to soften a bit.
5. Toss in Greens and Peppers:
It’s time to add the green beans and bell peppers to mix! Stir fry these veggies for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to get slightly tender while keeping their beautiful crunch.
6. Add Peas and Herbs:
Stir in the peas and then sprinkle the dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs over everything. Mix it all together until beautifully combined!
7. Season the Stir Fry:
Now is the time to season it! Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. You can always adjust later!
8. Final Cooking:
Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently so all the veggies are evenly cooked while keeping them crisp-tender.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your colorful stir fry warm! It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy this healthful, vibrant dish!
This quick and colorful stir fry showcases fresh veggies and simple seasoning, making a delicious side or main dish that’s full of texture and flavor. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables for This Stir Fry?
Yes, you can use frozen green peas and even frozen green beans! Just add them directly to the skillet; they may need a minute or two longer to cook through compared to fresh vegetables.
What If I Don’t Have Mustard Seeds?
No problem! You can skip the mustard seeds entirely or substitute them with sesame seeds or simply use crushed black peppercorns for a different flavor. The stir fry will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Stir Fry?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace or add any other vegetables you love. Broccoli, zucchini, carrots, or snap peas work great in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly for firmer veggies.
