Sautéed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal? This sautéed broccoli with peanut sauce recipe is a perfect choice! It’s packed with fresh vegetables, tossed with tender rice noodles, and coated in a creamy, slightly spicy peanut butter sauce. This dish is gluten-free, vegan, and ready in under 30 minutes ideal for busy weeknights!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Sautéed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Nutritious & Flavorful Loaded with fiber-rich veggies and plant-based protein, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.
Quick & Easy Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Versatile Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and protein options like tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken.
Crowd-Pleasing A dish the whole family will love, with an addictive peanut butter sauce that makes veggies irresistible.

Ingredients

Rice Noodles:

8 oz rice noodles (cooked per package instructions)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small sweet onion, diced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled & minced (~2 tbsp)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into half moons
½ red bell pepper, diced
1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped small
¼ cup scallions
¼ cup fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Spicy Peanut Sauce:

⅓ cup + 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
¼ cup water
2 tbsp soy sauce (or sub coconut aminos for gluten-free option)
2 tbsp honey (or sub maple syrup/coconut sugar)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice (~2-3 limes)
2 tbsp sambal oelek chili paste (or sub sriracha)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

How to Make Sautéed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

A rich and creamy peanut sauce is what makes this dish shine. Here’s how to make it:

In a mixing bowl, combine natural peanut butter, water, soy sauce, honey, fresh lime juice, sesame oil, and chili paste.
Use an immersion blender or a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Stir in red pepper flakes, taste, and adjust by adding more lime juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or chili paste for extra heat.
Set aside the sauce while you cook the vegetables and noodles.

Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles

Cooking rice noodles properly ensures they don’t become too sticky:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
If not using immediately, toss the noodles with a bit of sesame oil to prevent them from clumping together.

Ingredients For Sautéed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and texture:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add olive oil.
Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add carrots and bell pepper, stirring frequently and cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Toss in broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour in ¾ of the peanut sauce, stirring well to evenly coat the noodles and veggies.
Toss in scallions for extra flavor.
Let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Remove from heat and plate the noodles.
Drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce for extra creaminess.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious peanut butter vegetable stir fry!

Sautéed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! To keep this dish completely gluten-free, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check that your rice noodles are certified gluten-free.

What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini (sesame seed paste) for peanut butter. These alternatives provide a similar creamy texture while keeping the dish nut-free.

How can I add protein to this dish?

You can boost the protein content by adding tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, or grilled chicken. If using tofu, consider pan-frying or baking it first for a crispy texture before tossing it with the noodles and sauce.

How spicy is this dish, and how can I adjust the heat level?

This dish has a moderate level of spice from the sambal oelek (or sriracha) and red pepper flakes. To reduce the spice, use less chili paste and omit the red pepper flakes. If you enjoy extra heat, increase the sambal oelek or add sliced fresh chilies.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can make the spicy peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The noodles and vegetables can also be prepped in advance, but for the best texture, stir-fry everything together fresh before serving.

What vegetables can I swap or add to this recipe?

This dish is highly customizable! You can swap or add mushrooms, snap peas, bok choy, baby spinach, shredded purple cabbage, or zucchini to add variety and extra nutrition.

Sautéed Broccoli with Peanut Sauce Recipes

Serving Suggestions

This broccoli peanut stir fry pairs well with a variety of side dishes and add-ins to create a well-rounded meal. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. If you enjoy extra crunch, top it with crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds. A side of spicy edamame also makes a great addition.

Conclusion

This peanut butter vegetable stir fry is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors and nutritious meals. The combination of tofu and broccoli in peanut sauce makes for a wholesome dish that is both satisfying and packed with protein. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and let us know what you think!

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