Healthy Zucchini Peanut Stir-Fry (Printable)

Spiralized zucchini with crisp vegetables and creamy peanut sauce, ready in minutes for a nutritious meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized (about 6 cups)
02 - 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 large carrot, julienned or spiralized
04 - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Peanut Sauce

07 - 1/3 cup natural peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
08 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
15 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
16 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
18 - Additional cilantro or green onions

# Directions:

01 - Spiralize zucchinis and carrots. Slice bell pepper thinly, trim snap peas and cut in halves, slice green onions, and chop cilantro.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add 2 tablespoons warm water and whisk until smooth. Add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of sesame oil if desired for enhanced flavor.
04 - Add bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
05 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles and toss gently for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcooking to prevent soggy texture.
06 - Pour peanut sauce over vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until warmed through.
07 - Remove from heat immediately. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro. Serve fresh.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in 25 minutes flat, which means weeknight dinner stress actually melts away.
  • The peanut sauce is silky and addictive without being heavy or loaded with weird ingredients.
  • You can throw together whatever vegetables you have on hand and it somehow always works.
  • It feels indulgent enough to crave but light enough that you won't need a nap afterward.
02 -
  • The zucchini noodles release water as they sit, so this dish truly tastes best the moment it's done and served.
  • Don't be afraid to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference; some people like it thicker and clinging, others prefer it a bit looser.
03 -
  • Use a quality spiralizer or julienne peeler; it makes the whole experience faster and more pleasant, and the noodles look intentional rather than shredded.
  • Toasted sesame oil is not optional if you want this to taste restaurant-quality; it's the thing that makes people ask what's in it.
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