Stir fry zucchini and bell peppers is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of fresh zucchini and vibrant red bell peppers creates a colorful and flavorful dish that’s lightly seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This stir fry is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced green onions
- 1 pound zucchini, cut into rectangular strips (cut in half, then each half lengthwise in half, then into 1/4 inch strips)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into 1/4-inch wide strips for uniform cooking
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and cut the zucchini into rectangular strips: cut each zucchini in half, then each half lengthwise in half, and finally into 1/4 inch strips. Lay the strips down and cut into smaller strips.
- Wash and cut the red bell pepper into 1/4 inch strips.
- Mince the green onions.
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the Green Onions:
- Add the minced green onions to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the Zucchini and Bell Peppers:
- Add the zucchini and red bell pepper strips to the skillet. Add the bell pepper strips to the skillet and stir-fry for approximately 5-7 minutes. Cook until the vegetables reach a tender yet still crisp texture, ensuring they maintain a slight crunch for added freshness and flavor. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Vegetables:
- Season the vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly dispersed throughout the dish, coating all the ingredients uniformly. This step guarantees that every bite is flavorful and well-seasoned.
- Add the Lemon Juice:
- Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon) to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the lemon juice, enhancing their flavor with a light, zesty note.
- Serve:
- Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the stir fry zucchini and bell peppers to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately as a side dish to complement your main course.
Conclusion
Stir fry zucchini and bell peppers is a simple yet flavorful dish that adds a burst of color and nutrition to any meal. With the fresh taste of zucchini, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the zesty hint of lemon, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this quick and healthy recipe as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite proteins or as a light, stand-alone dish. Bon appétit!