🥦 Easy Leftover Veggies Stir-Fry Recipe (Fast, Healthy & Zero-Waste)
Don’t toss your leftover vegetables — toss them into a sizzling, flavor-packed stir-fry instead! This quick and easy stir-fry is the ultimate fridge-cleanout recipe that’s healthy, budget-friendly, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Turn leftover vegetables into a delicious, healthy stir-fry in just 20 minutes! This easy zero-waste recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and budget-friendly cooking.
🥬 Why This Stir-Fry Works:
- 🌱 Zero waste – Use up any leftover or forgotten veggies
- ⏱ Quick – Ready in 20 minutes or less
- 🥢 Versatile – Works with any vegetables and sauces
- 💚 Healthy – Full of fiber, vitamins, and plant power
- 💰 Budget-friendly – Perfect for saving money on meals
📝 Ingredients (Flexible):
- 2–3 cups assorted leftover vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, etc.)
- 2 tbsp oil (olive oil, sesame oil, or vegetable oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional)
- Optional protein: tofu, tempeh, cooked chickpeas, or scrambled egg
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Sesame seeds or green onions, for garnish
🍳 Instructions:
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Prep veggies: Chop your leftover veggies into bite-sized pieces. Separate hard veggies (like carrots, broccoli) from soft ones (like spinach, mushrooms).
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Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds.
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Cook hard veggies: Add firmer vegetables first and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes.
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Add soft veggies: Toss in softer vegetables and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
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Add sauce: Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener (if using), and chili flakes. Stir well to coat.
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Serve hot: Serve over rice or noodles, topped with sesame seeds or green onions.
💡 Tips to Customize:
- No soy sauce? Use coconut aminos or tamari for gluten-free.
- Want it saucy? Add a splash of water and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Add crunch: Toss in roasted nuts or seeds at the end.
- Include protein: Add leftover chicken, tofu, or legumes for a fuller meal.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen leftover vegetables?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess water before stir-frying.
Q: What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Use high-heat oils like sesame oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil for best results.
Q: How long can I store leftover stir-fry?
Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
🥢 Final Thoughts:
This Leftover Veggies Stir-Fry is a weeknight hero — fast, flexible, and totally satisfying. Whether you're trying to waste less, eat better, or just make dinner in a flash, this recipe is a must-save. Grab those veggie scraps and turn them into something amazing!
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