Peanut Butter and Jelly Stir-Fry

Peanut Butter and Jelly Stir-Fry

A savory-sweet weeknight dinner made for pantry mix-ups

Bought crunchy peanut butter by mistake? This recipe turns it into the best part of the dish.

Crunchy peanut butter turns from accidental purchase into intentional texture in this comforting stir-fry. Use a Sweet Home Muscadine Jelly (or Muscadine Pepper Jelly) to replace the sugar and acid in the sauce, creating a glossy, craveable finish that works with beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu — and whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Yield: Serves 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Protein (choose one)

1 lb beef fajita meat, thinly sliced (main version)

or substitute:
Chicken (breast or thighs), sliced
Shrimp, peeled & deveined
Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed

Vegetables

Choose 3–4 favorites from the list below. Add more if you like.

  • Sweet onion
  • Celery
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Snap peas
  • Carrots
  • Mushrooms
  • Cabbage
  • Green onions (great for finishing)

Aiming for about 3–4 cups total vegetables works well.

PB&J Stir-Fry Sauce

Noodles or Rice (choose one)

  • Rice noodles
  • Ramen or lo mein
  • Spaghetti
  • Cooked rice

Instructions

Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth and pourable. Set aside.

Cook the protein
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add beef and cook just until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Stir-fry the vegetables
In the same pan, add onions first, followed by firmer vegetables.
Add softer vegetables (like zucchini) last and cook until tender-crisp.

Combine
Add cooked noodles or rice to the pan. Return the beef to the skillet.

Sauce and finish
Pour in the PB&J sauce and toss until everything is coated and glossy.
Cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust
Add more soy sauce for savory, jelly for sweetness, or lime for brightness.

Protein Notes

  • Beef: Rich and satisfying; perfect for a date-night stir-fry
  • Chicken: Neutral and family-friendly
  • Shrimp: Add at the end and cook just until pink
  • Tofu: Pan-sear until golden before adding vegetables

Optional Finishes

  • Chili crisp or red pepper flakes
  • Crushed peanuts (extra crunch)
  • Green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Perfect Pairings

  • White rice or jasmine rice
  • Rice noodles or ramen
  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas
  • Cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies
  • Iced tea, citrus spritz, or muscadine mocktail

 

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