Garlic Butter Stir-Fried Vegetables
Introduction
If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetable dish, this Garlic Butter Stir-Fried Vegetables recipe is exactly what you need.Tender-crisp veggies coated in a glossy garlic-butter sauce become the perfect side for rice, pasta, chicken, or seafood. It’s quick, nutritious, and requires only pantry staples you already have.This recipe is especially great when you want something light yet satisfying—and it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil (prevents butter from burning)
5–6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
1 cup zucchini, sliced
½ cup green beans, trimmed
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional but adds amazing flavor)
1 tbsp lemon juice or ½ lemon, squeezed
Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Your Vegetables
Wash and chop all your veggies into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Heat the Pan
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add butter + olive oil and let it melt.
Add the Garlic
Toss in the finely chopped garlic and stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
(Do not brown too much—it can turn bitter.)
Stir-Fry the Hard Veggies First
Add:
carrots
green beans
broccoli
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they start softening.
Add the Quick-Cooking Veggies
Now add:
bell peppers
zucchini
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes more.
Season
Add:
salt
black pepper
paprika
chili flakes
soy sauce (if using)
Keep stir-frying until veggies become tender-crisp but not mushy.
Finish with Brightness
Turn off heat and drizzle lemon juice over the veggies.
Mix gently.
Garnish
Sprinkle fresh parsley/coriander.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
Steamed rice
Grilled chicken or fish
Noodles
Fried rice
Quinoa or couscous
In wraps or sandwiches
Tips
Don’t overcrowd the pan — veggies steam instead of fry.
High heat is key for the best texture and color.
Add mushrooms for extra umami.
Add a splash of oyster sauce for a restaurant-style flavor.
Use ghee instead of butter for richer taste.
Variations
Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes + ½ tsp hot sauce.
Cheesy Version: Add grated Parmesan after turning off the heat.
Asian Style: Add sesame oil + sesame seeds + soy sauce.
Indian Style: Add ¼ tsp turmeric + ½ tsp cumin seeds.
Creamy Version: Stir in 2 tbsp cream or cream cheese at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Stir-Fried Vegetables recipe is perfect for days when you need something healthy, colorful, and fast. It’s budget-friendly, low-effort, and packed with flavor—making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again!