Summer-Ready Stir-Fries You Can Make in 15 Minutes

When summer rolls in with its sunny afternoons and long evenings, the last thing anyone wants is to be stuck over a hot stove for hours. That’s where the humble stir-fry becomes your best friend. 

Fresh, fast, and fabulously customisable, these 15-minute stir-fries are perfect for warm-weather meals.

Whether you're using up seasonal veg from your garden or making the most of a farmers’ market haul, stir-fries are the ultimate summer kitchen hack.

Here are some quick and flavour-packed stir-fry ideas to keep your meals light, healthy, and full of seasonal zing.

1. Lemon-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

Why it's summer-ready: The zingy citrus and fresh ginger make this dish bright and refreshing.

Ingredients:

Sliced chicken breast

Courgette, bell pepper, and sugar snap peas

Garlic, fresh ginger, lemon juice, soy sauce, and a splash of honey

Quick Tip: Use pre-sliced stir-fry veg packs to save even more time.

Serve with: Rice noodles or a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.

2. Rainbow Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Why it's summer-ready: Loaded with colourful veg and finished with a nutty, tangy dressing that’s perfect cold or hot.

Ingredients:

Carrot ribbons, purple cabbage, red pepper, mange tout

Garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, peanut butter, and a touch of chilli flakes

Quick Tip: Use a vegetable peeler to get beautiful ribbons that cook in seconds.

Serve with: Jasmine rice or in a warm wrap for a picnic-friendly lunch.

3. Prawn & Pineapple Stir-Fry

Why it's summer-ready: Sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with juicy prawns and a hint of chilli.

Ingredients:

Raw king prawns, fresh pineapple chunks, red onion, and green beans

Garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and red chilli

Quick Tip: Use tinned pineapple if fresh isn’t available—just drain well to avoid extra liquid.

Serve with: Coconut rice or straight from the wok with chopsticks for a light supper.

4. Tofu & Broccoli in Garlic Soy Glaze

Why it's summer-ready: It’s a lighter, plant-based option that still packs a savoury punch.

Ingredients:

Firm tofu, broccoli florets, red pepper

Garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, a splash of rice vinegar

Quick Tip: Press tofu in advance and pan-fry until golden before adding veg.

Serve with: Brown rice or soba noodles for added fibre.

5. Beef & Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao-inspired)

Why it's summer-ready: Basil adds a fresh herbaceous note that balances the rich beef.

Ingredients:

Minced beef, green beans, onion, garlic, fresh red chilli

Soy sauce, fish sauce, a pinch of sugar, and plenty of fresh basil

Quick Tip: Don’t skip the sugar—it balances the salty elements beautifully.

Serve with: Steamed jasmine rice and a fried egg on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Stir-Fry Success in 15 Minutes – A Few Handy Tips

Prep first: Chop all your ingredients before you start cooking – stir-fries are fast, and timing is everything.

Hot wok, cold oil: Heat the pan before adding oil to prevent sticking.

Layer flavours: Start with garlic, ginger, or onions, then add protein, then veg, and finally sauces.

Don’t overcook: Keep veg crisp-tender to preserve texture and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Stir-fries are more than just a quick fix – they’re a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Perfect for those balmy summer nights when you want something light yet satisfying. Try one (or all) of these combinations and mix things up with whatever’s fresh and in season.

Have a favourite summer stir-fry combo? Share it in the comments or tag us on Instagram @ThatsFoodAndDrink!