Home Vegan Post Easy Vegan Stir Fry Recipes for Quick Plant‑Based Dinners

Easy Vegan Stir Fry Recipes for Quick Plant‑Based Dinners


When life gets busy, dinner should be quick, nutritious, and satisfying. That’s exactly where vegan stir fry recipes shine. Loaded with vibrant vegetables, hearty plant-based proteins, and bold, customizable sauces, stir fries are the perfect answer to midweek meals that don’t compromise on health or flavor.

Even better? Most vegan stir fry dishes come together in under 20 minutes. This guide offers a collection of easy stir fry recipes, sauce ideas, and preparation tips—all centered around the versatility of plant-based cooking. Whether you’re working with tofu, tempeh, seitan, or just seasonal vegetables, there’s a flavorful combo here waiting to become your next go-to dinner.

Why Stir Fry Is a Vegan Staple

  • Fast Cooking: Stir fry dishes are typically cooked in one pan, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

  • Balanced Nutrition: With fiber-rich vegetables, protein-packed ingredients, and healthy fats, stir fries are naturally well-rounded meals.

  • Minimal Waste: It’s a perfect “clean out the fridge” meal—great for using leftover produce.

  • Customizable: From sauces to veggies to toppings, you can adapt stir fries to your taste and pantry.

1. Classic Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry

This classic dish is a perfect introduction to stir frying. It’s colorful, protein-rich, and endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed

  • 1 cup broccoli florets

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 carrot, julienned

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp grated ginger

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • Optional: sesame seeds, scallions

Instructions:

  1. In a pan or wok, sauté tofu in oil until golden brown. Set aside.

  2. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir fry for 30 seconds.

  3. Add veggies and stir fry for 4–5 minutes.

  4. Return tofu, add soy sauce, and stir to coat.

  5. Serve with rice or noodles, topped with sesame seeds.

2. Peanut Tempeh Stir Fry

Tempeh adds a nutty depth and firm texture, while the peanut sauce brings creamy, spicy richness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package tempeh, sliced

  • 1 zucchini, sliced

  • 1 red onion, chopped

  • 1 cup snow peas

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

Peanut Sauce:

  • ¼ cup peanut butter

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp chili paste

  • Water to thin

Instructions:

  1. Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

  2. Stir fry tempeh in oil until golden, about 5 minutes.

  3. Add veggies and stir fry 3–4 minutes.

  4. Pour sauce over mixture, stir well, and heat through.

  5. Serve with rice noodles or quinoa.

3. Spicy Vegan Szechuan Stir Fry

Craving heat? This spicy Szechuan-inspired recipe brings a bold kick to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup baby bok choy

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced

  • ½ cup mushrooms

  • ½ cup edamame

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Szechuan Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce

  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Stir fry vegetables for 3–4 minutes.

  2. Mix sauce ingredients, then pour into pan.

  3. Simmer until sauce thickens.

  4. Serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice.

4. Sweet & Sour Pineapple Stir Fry

A tropical twist with pineapple chunks and a sweet tangy sauce, this stir fry feels indulgent yet refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped pineapple (fresh or canned)

  • 1 cup bell peppers (any color)

  • 1 cup red cabbage

  • 1 cup chopped seitan or tofu

Sauce:

  • ¼ cup pineapple juice

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions:

  1. Stir fry seitan until browned, then set aside.

  2. Add vegetables and pineapple to pan, stir fry 3 minutes.

  3. Stir in sauce; cook until thickened.

  4. Combine with seitan and serve hot.

5. Cashew Veggie Stir Fry

Cashews add crunch, protein, and a roasted flavor that elevates this colorful dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cashews (raw or roasted)

  • 1 cup broccoli

  • 1 cup snap peas

  • ½ red onion

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

  1. Toast cashews in a dry pan until fragrant.

  2. Remove cashews, heat oil, and stir fry veggies.

  3. Add soy sauce, toss with cashews, and cook 1 more minute.

  4. Serve with jasmine rice or soba noodles.

Stir Fry Sauce Variations

Creating your own stir fry sauce is one of the best ways to change up flavor while keeping the ingredients simple. Here are a few quick ideas:

  • Garlic Ginger Soy Sauce:
    2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, splash of water.

  • Lemon Tahini Sauce:
    2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp maple syrup, salt, and water to thin.

  • Spicy Coconut Sauce:
    ½ cup coconut milk, 1 tsp red curry paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp lime juice.

Mix and match with veggies and proteins for unlimited combinations.

Best Proteins for Vegan Stir Fry

To make your stir fry satisfying and nutritionally balanced, choose one or more plant-based proteins:

  • Tofu: Pressed and cubed, tofu absorbs flavors beautifully.

  • Tempeh: Higher in protein, firm, and earthy.

  • Seitan: Chewy, meat-like texture and great for sauces.

  • Chickpeas: An easy pantry protein option.

  • Edamame: Fast-cooking and high in complete protein.

Vegetables That Shine in Stir Fry

While almost any veggie can work, these tend to perform best under high heat and short cooking times:

  • Bell peppers

  • Broccoli

  • Snow peas

  • Mushrooms

  • Carrots

  • Zucchini

  • Red cabbage

  • Baby bok choy

Pro tip: Cut veggies into similar sizes for even cooking, and don’t overcrowd your pan—this ensures crisp-tender results instead of steaming.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Pre-chop veggies in batches to use throughout the week.

  • Use frozen stir fry mixes for convenience and zero prep.

  • Cook rice or noodles in advance and reheat with a splash of water or oil.

  • Double your sauce and store it in the fridge for future meals.

Make Stir Fry a Lifestyle Staple

Because stir fry recipes are fast, versatile, and satisfying, they make it easier to stick to a plant-based diet without boredom or burnout. Even better? They’re usually made with pantry staples and customizable for every taste preference—from spicy and bold to nutty and creamy.

Bonus: Dress the Part While Cooking

Embrace your plant-powered lifestyle inside and outside the kitchen. While you’re sautéing tofu or whipping up a zesty sauce, throw on a shirt that speaks your values. The Dharma Store offers organic cotton vegan-themed t-shirts that are as bold and authentic as your meals.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to stir fry or a seasoned skillet pro, these vegan stir fry recipes are proof that plant-based eating can be fast, flexible, and full of flavor. From classic tofu to sweet-and-sour pineapple or spicy Szechuan veggies, each dish brings something special to the table.

Ready in 20 minutes or less, stir fry is the ultimate vegan weeknight hero—nutritious, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. So heat that pan, prep your veggies, and stir up something great tonight.