Introduction

Fall Vegetable Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze is a colorful, vibrant, and nutrient-packed dish that celebrates the flavors and textures of autumn produce. This stir-fry features a medley of seasonal vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, bell peppers, and carrots, all tossed in a savory-sweet sesame glaze. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or a side dish that pairs beautifully with grains or protein.

The sesame glaze adds a nutty, slightly sweet, and umami-rich coating that enhances each vegetable’s natural flavor without overpowering it. The dish is light, satisfying, and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—making it both delicious and nourishing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of roasted fall vegetables with a lightly sweet sesame glaze creates a harmonious balance between savory and slightly sweet notes. It’s a dish that can be served on its own, paired with rice or noodles, or alongside protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp.

Additionally, it’s versatile, allowing you to use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand. The stir-fry is quick to cook, colorful, and full of contrasting textures—crunchy, tender, and juicy—all in one pan.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Seasonal and fresh: Highlights autumn vegetables at their peak.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy and flavorful: Low in calories, high in nutrients, and naturally vegetarian/vegan.
• Versatile: Can be served with grains, noodles, or as a side to proteins.
• Impressively colorful: Perfect for presentation on any table.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~280 calories per serving
• Course: Main / Side
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired / American Fall

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For the Sesame Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Cook Vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add butternut squash and carrots first; cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Add Brussels sprouts, bell pepper, and broccoli; stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Pour the sesame glaze over vegetables; toss to coat evenly and cook for 2 more minutes until vegetables are glazed and heated through.
6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Peel, dice, and prep all vegetables.
2. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger.
3. Prepare sesame glaze in a small bowl.
4. Heat sesame oil in skillet or wok.
5. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
6. Add root vegetables (butternut squash and carrots) and cook until slightly tender.
7. Add remaining vegetables (Brussels sprouts, bell pepper, broccoli); stir-fry until crisp-tender.
8. Pour glaze over vegetables and toss to coat.
9. Cook 2 more minutes until heated through and vegetables are glossy.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Can be served as a side dish alongside tofu, chicken, or shrimp.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or cilantro for extra flavor.
• Works well for meal prep; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Recipe Tips

• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Cook root vegetables first as they take longer to become tender.
• Adjust sweetness or saltiness of glaze to taste.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds before serving.
• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for proper stir-frying.

Variations

1. Protein Addition: Add cubed tofu, chicken, shrimp, or tempeh.
2. Vegetable Swap: Use seasonal vegetables such as parsnips, cauliflower, or kale.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
4. Spicy Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the glaze.
5. Nutty Twist: Top with toasted peanuts or cashews for added texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.
• Reheating: Avoid overcooking to prevent vegetables from becoming mushy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stir-frying
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl for glaze

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, but fresh vegetables provide better texture and flavor. Adjust cooking time for frozen vegetables.

Q2: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze.

Q3: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, store in a small jar or container for up to a week in the fridge.

Q4: Can I prep vegetables ahead of time?
A: Yes, chop all vegetables and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Q5: Can this be served cold?
A: While best served hot, it can be served at room temperature for salads or lunch bowls.

Conclusion

Fall Vegetable Stir-Fry with Sesame Glaze is a quick, colorful, and nutrient-packed dish that showcases the best flavors of autumn. With crisp-tender vegetables coated in a savory-sweet sesame glaze, this stir-fry is both healthy and satisfying. Perfect as a main or side, for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves simple, flavorful, and seasonal cooking.