This vibrant low-carb stir fry combines tender chicken breast with a colorful mix of broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and snow peas. Quickly cooked with garlic, ginger, and spring onions, it’s tossed in a tangy tamari-based sauce with sesame oil and a touch of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a comforting way to energize chilly mornings with fresh, crunchy vegetables and bold flavor. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and coriander, it’s perfect for a quick, nourishing meal.
For those avoiding meat, firm tofu works beautifully as a substitute. Seasonally flexible, this dish is easily adapted with your favorite low-carb vegetables. Serve as is or with cauliflower rice to keep the carbs low while adding volume and texture to your morning plate.
On a chilly morning, I stumbled upon this vibrant low-carb stir fry that quickly became my go-to for starting the day full of warmth and flavor. It was a delightful discovery that made breakfast exciting again.
I remember the first time I whipped this up when unexpected guests arrived and everyone asked for seconds before I even sat down!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: I always slice it thin to ensure quick cooking and tender bites
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish
- Zucchini: Half-moons cook just right to keep a slight bite without being mushy
- Broccoli florets: I pick firm, fresh florets for that perfect crisp-tender texture
- Snow peas: Trimmed and ready to add a subtle sweetness and snap
- Spring onions: Sliced to release their fresh, mild onion flavor without overpowering
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Minced and grated respectively to infuse the stir fry with their aromatic punch
- Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce): My go-to for depth without gluten, plus it blends beautifully with the other sauce components
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty warmth that makes the sauce sing
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sauce with a mild tang
- Chili flakes (optional): Just a pinch for when I want a little heat without overpowering the dish
- Erythritol or preferred low-carb sweetener: Softens the sauce and gives a subtle sweetness that plays well with the savory flavors
- Toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander leaves: For garnish and that extra layer of texture and freshness
Instructions
- Mix the magic sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili flakes if you like a bit of heat, and your sweetener of choice. This blend will bring the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and a touch of sweet
- Heat and get moving:
- Warm up your wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When you see it shimmer, add a splash of oil—avocado or olive oil works best for a neutral flavor and high smoke point
- Cook the chicken:
- Toss in the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s just cooked through and starting to brown at the edges—aroma fills the kitchen and the color is your cue
- Set that chicken aside:
- Remove the chicken from the pan carefully and give your wok a quick wipe with a paper towel if needed
- Bring the aromatics:
- Add garlic, ginger, and spring onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 30 seconds; the fragrance should hit you like a warm hug
- Vegetables join the party:
- In go the broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and snow peas. Keep everything moving for 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies turn crisp-tender - vibrant colors still vivid and texture lively
- Back with the chicken:
- Return the chicken to the pan and pour your sauce over. Toss everything gently to coat every piece, letting the sauce bubble and cling for another 2 minutes
- Serve with the final flourish:
- Spoon onto plates and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander if you fancy. The crunch and freshness are the perfect finishing touches
This dish became more than just a meal one frosty morning when it warmed not only our tummies but also brought everyone around the table to laughter and shared stories — truly comfort in every bite.
Keeping It Fresh
I always use the freshest vegetables I can find because the brightness of the produce really shines through after quick cooking. If you can get local, seasonal veggies, they’ll make your stir fry sing.
When You're Missing Something
If you run out of tamari, coconut aminos can be a great gluten-free substitute, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter and lighter. Just adjust the sweetener accordingly.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice if you want to keep it low-carb yet filling. Or toss it over some fresh greens for a warm salad twist.
- Don't forget to toast your sesame seeds lightly for that extra aroma
- Try swapping chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian spin
- Leftovers taste great cold too, perfect for quick lunches
Thanks for cooking along—you’ve now got a vibrant, healthy dish to brighten up even the coldest morning. Can't wait to hear how it makes your day a little warmer.
Recipe FAQs
- → What protein options work best for this dish?
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Chicken breast is ideal for tender, lean protein, but firm tofu makes a tasty vegetarian alternative without sacrificing texture.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables used here?
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Absolutely! Feel free to swap in seasonal or available low-carb vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or kale for variety.
- → What oil is best for stir-frying?
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Sesame oil adds an authentic flavor and works well for finishing. Use avocado or olive oil for the initial stir-fry to handle the heat.
- → How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust heat?
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The chili flakes provide mild heat, which you can reduce or omit according to your preference.
- → How do I keep the vegetables crisp-tender?
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Stir-fry on medium-high heat for a short time, so vegetables stay bright and slightly crunchy without becoming mushy.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
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Yes, using gluten-free tamari ensures the dish remains gluten-free while keeping rich umami flavors.