This Banana Pepper Veggie Stir Fry is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that brings bold flavors and crisp textures to your dinner table.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup banana peppers, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onions, banana peppers, and all remaining vegetables. Stir-fry for about 5–7 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss everything to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy as is.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 110% DV
- Vitamin C: 190% DV
- Calcium: 5% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Health Benefits of Banana Peppers
Banana peppers are a key component of this stir fry and offer a wealth of health benefits. They are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for a strong immune system and healthy skin. These peppers also contain capsaicin, a compound that supports metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties. Including banana peppers in your meals can enhance flavor while also delivering a powerful nutritional punch.
A Great Way to Eat More Vegetables
The Banana Pepper Veggie Stir Fry is an excellent way to meet your daily vegetable requirements. The recipe features a medley of colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini, all of which are nutrient-dense. These vegetables are high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, making this dish ideal for supporting digestive health and preventing chronic diseases. Eating the rainbow has never been easier or tastier.
Low-Calorie, High-Satisfaction Meal
This stir fry is perfect for those looking to maintain or lose weight without sacrificing taste. With just around 170 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy or sluggish. The high fiber content from the vegetables contributes to fullness, which can help curb overeating and keep you satisfied longer.
Ideal for Plant-Based Diets
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply trying to eat more plant-based meals, this stir fry fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. It contains no animal products but still offers a balanced composition of nutrients, including protein from vegetables like broccoli and fiber from all the included produce. It’s a compassionate, sustainable, and nutritious choice for meatless meals.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its simplicity. It comes together in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something fast but still want a wholesome meal. The stir-fry method is efficient and allows for quick cooking while preserving the texture and nutrients of the vegetables. With minimal prep and cleanup, this is a go-to recipe for stress-free evenings.
Customizable for Any Season
This stir fry can easily be customized based on seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand. In the summer, you might add snap peas and corn; in the fall, you could include kale or sweet potatoes. The banana peppers pair well with a wide range of produce, allowing for flexibility and creativity in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that evolves with the seasons.
A Flavorful Alternative to Traditional Stir Fries
While traditional stir fries often rely heavily on soy sauce or meat-based flavors, this banana pepper veggie version offers a unique, tangy kick thanks to the banana peppers and rice vinegar. The ginger and garlic further elevate the profile, creating a bold and satisfying taste that stands out. It’s a great option if you’re tired of the same old stir fry recipes.
Budget-Friendly and Accessible Ingredients
This recipe is also wallet-friendly, using vegetables and pantry staples that are easy to find in most grocery stores. You don’t need any expensive or exotic ingredients to make this dish flavorful and nutritious. It’s a practical option for students, families, or anyone looking to eat well on a budget without compromising on quality or taste.
Supports Gut Health and Digestion
Thanks to its high fiber content, this stir fry is excellent for supporting healthy digestion. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, lowers cholesterol, and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. The presence of natural probiotics in the rice vinegar also contributes to a healthy microbiome, making this dish a friend to your digestive system.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This stir fry stores well in the refrigerator and makes excellent leftovers, making it an ideal meal prep option. You can cook a big batch ahead of time and divide it into containers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It reheats quickly and maintains its flavor and texture, helping you stay on track with healthy eating goals even on your busiest days.
Pairs Well with a Variety of Sides
The versatility of this stir fry means it can be paired with several different sides depending on your preferences. Serve it over brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles for a more filling dish. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens. Its bold flavors complement many different bases, making it a staple that can be adapted to your diet.
A Great Introduction to Stir Fry Cooking
If you’re new to cooking, this recipe is a great introduction to the stir fry technique. It teaches you how to balance flavors, cook vegetables quickly at high heat, and create a satisfying dish with just a few steps. It’s a forgiving recipe that allows for experimentation while still being foolproof for beginners.
Encourages Mindful Eating
Eating this dish encourages mindfulness due to its variety of textures, colors, and flavors. Each bite offers something different—crunchy carrots, juicy peppers, tender broccoli—making it more engaging and enjoyable. Mindful eating not only enhances satisfaction but can also help prevent overeating and improve your relationship with food.
Conclusion
The Banana Pepper Veggie Stir Fry is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a celebration of fresh produce, bold flavors, and healthy choices. It proves that plant-based eating can be exciting, affordable, and easy to integrate into any lifestyle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your health, this recipe delivers on all fronts: taste, nutrition, and convenience. Make it once, and you’ll likely find it becoming a regular feature on your weekly menu.