📖 Instructions

1. Prep the vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping all the vegetables. Cut the bell peppers, zucchini, and squash into roughly equal-sized, bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion and mince the garlic. This ensures even cooking.
2. Make the Cajun spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix well. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. I personally like it with a little extra kick, but that’s just me!
3. Marinate the vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the Cajun spice mix over them. Toss everything together, making sure the vegetables are evenly coated. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Smelling it already? Oh boy, you're in for a treat. I find that pre-mixing spices and then marinating veggies really enhances the end flavor.
4. Heat the wok (or skillet): Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure the wok is nice and hot before adding the vegetables; this helps them get a nice char.
5. Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the marinated vegetables to the hot wok. Stir-fry constantly for about 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. It’s important to keep the vegetables moving to prevent burning. The key is to keep them moving – that's the stir-fry secret!
6. Add the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), honey, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the vegetables in the wok. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the vegetables evenly. Mmmm... that glaze makes all the difference.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot, either on its own or over rice or quinoa. I love to serve mine with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and nutty flavor. I once tried adding roasted peanuts to the top, not the same but it was good!