Learn how to sauté vegetables for a delicious and healthy side dish to add to any dinner.
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Zoe Zuidema is a writer and editor focusing on media and public radio. She has contributed food-related articles to Better Homes & Gardens. She has over 6 years of experience within the journalism industry and as a freelance writer. Zoe received a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism, Writing, and Theology from Drake University.
Updated on February 15, 2024
When it comes to serving quick and easy side dishes, if you know how to sauté vegetables, you'll always have a healthy option. Sautéing is a great way to empty the fridge to avoid wasting produce. Plus, they can be seasoned with whatever spices you want to match your meal.
Sautéing is simply skillet-cooking and stirring ingredients in a small amount of oil. In this case, the goal is sautéed vegetables cooked to crisp-tender perfection with a slightly caramelized surface. Adding healthy ingredients and color to your dinner plate is easy once you've learned how to sauté vegetables. Read on for our simple and easy tutorial for the best way to sauté vegetables so they can be added as a guest item on your menu more often.
How to Sauté Vegetables
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Skillet
Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces. If you're sautéing more than one type of vegetable, cut them into smaller pieces so they cook at similar rates. Heat oil or butter (enough to cover the bottom of the pan) in a wok or large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables in Skillet
When hot, add vegetables in small batches and cook, stirring occasionally until they are tender and slightly darker in color.
Step 3: Season Sautéed Vegetables and Enjoy
We always like seasoning sautéed vegetables with salt, pepper, and garlic. Feel free to change it up and add your favorite seasonings to match the flavor of your meal. For example, some taco seasoning and lime juice can really liven up sautéed veggies for a Mexican-inspired feast. Serve while hot.
How Long to Sauté Vegetables
To avoid overcooking and undercooking, the order of cooking vegetables is to start with those with longer cooking times first and put others in later.
- Vegetables with longer sauté time: carrots, onions, and potatoes
- Vegetables with medium sauté time: broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers
- Vegetables with short sauté time: mushrooms, tomatoes, and leafy greens
How to Get the Most from Sautéed Veggies
Cook and enjoy vegetables for the most nutrition and flavor soon after buying them. Flash-frozen vegetables are also a healthy choice—they're quickly frozen after picking to retain vitamins. When using canned vegetables, keep sodium levels in check by choosing products labeled "low sodium" or "no salt added."
Put your knowledge of making perfect sautéed vegetables to delicious use by making a meal out of them. Our quick stir-fry recipes feature hearty veggies, meats, and more to create all-in-one dinners.
More Delicious Ways to Cook Vegetables
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