Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry

Featured in: Quick & Easy Meals

This dish brings together the smoky heat of ancho chile powder with a colorful array of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas. Sautéed with garlic and red onion, then coated in a balanced sauce of soy, lime, and smoky paprika, the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant while absorbing bold flavors. Garnished with fresh cilantro and optional sesame seeds, it’s perfect for a speedy, nutrient-packed meal that's gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:55:00 GMT
Vibrant Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry loaded with colorful veggies, garnished with lime wedges.  Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry loaded with colorful veggies, garnished with lime wedges. | krispyrecipes.com

A vibrant, smoky stir-fry featuring ancho chile and a medley of crisp vegetables, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

This stir-fry has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something flavorful yet effortless to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper sliced, 1 medium zucchini sliced, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup snap peas trimmed, 1 red onion thinly sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free), 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime), 1 tbsp ancho chile powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional), Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the sauce:
Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, ancho chile powder, smoked paprika, maple syrup, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside
Heat the pan:
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil
Sauté aromatics:
Add garlic and red onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
Cook vegetables:
Add bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp
Add sauce:
Pour sauce over vegetables, toss to coat, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats vegetables
Finish and serve:
Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges
Smoky Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry bursting with flavors and fresh cilantro on top.  Save to Pinterest
Smoky Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry bursting with flavors and fresh cilantro on top. | krispyrecipes.com

My family loves gathering around this stir-fry because it’s bursting with flavor and takes hardly any time to prepare.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein. Adjust ancho chile powder to taste depending on heat preference. Substitute vegetables based on seasonality.

Required Tools

Large wok or skillet, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, whisk or fork.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein.

Quick and easy Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Save to Pinterest
Quick and easy Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. | krispyrecipes.com

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious and nutritious without the fuss.

Ancho Chile Vegetable Stir-Fry

Vibrant ancho chile and crisp vegetables combined with smoky spices for a quick, flavorful dish.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Quick & Easy Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-Inspired Fusion

Total Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, sliced
02 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
03 1 medium zucchini, sliced
04 1 cup broccoli florets
05 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
06 1 red onion, thinly sliced
07 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
03 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
02 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
03 Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, ancho chile powder, smoked paprika, maple syrup, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 02

Heat cooking vessel: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced red onion; sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 04

Stir-fry vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, and snap peas; stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 05

Combine with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over vegetables, toss to coat evenly, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Remove from heat; garnish with chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve with lime wedges.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce or tamari
  • Optional sesame seeds; omit if allergic

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 170
  • Total Fat: 7 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25 grams
  • Protein Content: 5 grams