| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 10g | 1.5g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 3g | 0.9g |
When I think of the perfect weeknight meal that’s both delicious and loaded with nutrients, the “Alligator Pepper Vegetable Stir-fry” immediately comes to mind. This vibrant dish brings together a joyful mix of fresh vegetables, enhanced by the unique flavor of alligator pepper. It’s a recipe that has quickly become a household favorite for my fiancée Laura and me, especially as we’re always on the lookout for healthy meals that our little boy will enjoy, too.
The Joy of Fresh, Colorful Ingredients
One of the things I love most about this recipe is the sheer variety of colorful veggies it includes. From the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers to the vibrant green snap peas and broccoli florets, this stir-fry is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Each vegetable adds its own unique touch to the dish, making it both flavor-rich and nutrient-dense.
Health Benefits
What makes this dish even more special is its health benefits. The array of vegetables provides a massive dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential for a balanced diet. Zucchini and carrots are great for boosting your Vitamin A intake, promoting good vision and immune function. Bell peppers are incredible sources of Vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, mitigate inflammation, and even improve your skin health.
Alligator pepper isn’t just a flavor powerhouse. This unique spice boasts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can offer benefits for your digestive system and overall wellness. And let’s not forget the garlic—it’s a powerhouse when it comes to boosting the immune system and has been proven to have significant antibacterial and antiviral properties. Even the olive oil used for sautéing adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.
Perfect Pairings
While this Alligator Pepper Vegetable Stir-fry is delicious on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it over a bed of steaming white or brown rice, or try it with some aromatic jasmine rice to elevate the dish. If you’re a noodle fan, any type of Asian noodles like soba or rice noodles would be a perfect match. For those who enjoy seafood, a side of grilled shrimp or a piece of pan-seared salmon can complement this stir-fry wonderfully.
If you enjoy this dish, you might also want to try a classic Thai stir-fry or even a simple vegetable Lo Mein. Both feature a range of vegetables and flavors that are similar but with their own unique twist.
In every bite of this Alligator Pepper Vegetable Stir-fry, you’ll find a harmonious blend of taste and nutrition, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate a simple weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids to a range of vegetables in a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at. Give it a try, and it might just become a new family favorite for you, too!
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 tablespoon alligator pepper, ground
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step Two
Add the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic, zucchini, broccoli florets, snap peas, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step Four
Sprinkle the ground alligator pepper over the vegetables and stir to combine.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Step Six
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the vegetables. Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
Step Seven
Season the stir-fry with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step Eight
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the stir-fry with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Step Nine
Serve the Alligator Pepper Vegetable Stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
