Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe
A fast and healthy dinner- Zucchini Stir-Fry with corn, basil and chili flakes, topped with your choice of shrimp, crispy tofu or chicken. Simple and adaptable. Vegan, Gluten-free!
How to Make the Best Zucchini Stir Fry
This zucchini stir fry is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something fast, healthy, and packed with fresh summer flavors. The combination of tender zucchini, sweet corn, fragrant basil, and a hint of heat from chili flakes creates a dish that’s both satisfying and light.
What makes this recipe so versatile is the choice of protein—you can go vegan with crispy tofu, keep it light with shrimp, or make it heartier with sliced chicken breast. The cooking method stays the same, and the result is always delicious. The lemon zest and juice add a bright, fresh note that ties everything together.
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want a homemade meal. Serve it in bowls with chopsticks for a fun, casual dinner, or pair it with rice or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
Zucchini Stir Fry
A fast and healthy dinner- Zucchini Stir-Fry with corn, basil and chili flakes, topped with your choice of shrimp, crispy tofu or chicken. Simple and adaptable. Vegan, Gluten-free!
Ingredients
Protein
Stir Fry
Instructions
Cook the Protein
- Heat half the olive oil in a skillet, over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to the oil, then add the protein, crisping it up and cooking it through. Set the protein aside.
Make the Stir Fry
- Add more olive oil to the skillet, over medium heat, and add the onion, garlic, lemon zest and chili flakes, saute until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini and summer squash, and saute until just tender. If it feels dry you could add a splash of water, wine or broth. Add the corn, season generously with salt and pepper and cook 2-3 more minutes.
- Fold in the cooked protein and the fresh basil. Taste, adjusting salt and chili flakes to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like.
- Divide among bowls and serve with more basil ribbons. Serve with chopsticks if you like!
Notes
- This recipe is highly adaptable—use tofu for a vegan option, shrimp for a quick-cooking protein, or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Aleppo pepper is a mild, slightly sweet chili flake that works beautifully here, but any red pepper flakes will do.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or vegetable broth while sautéing the vegetables.
