Stir-fry is the superhero of weeknight dinners. It’s rapid, nutritious, and offers endless customization options. Plus, who doesn’t love the sizzle of food in a hot wok?
No matter your skill level, these Asian-inspired recipes allow you to prepare delicious, restaurant-quality meals in a short amount of time.
Let’s get cooking!
Why Stir-Fry Is the Ultimate Weeknight Dinner: Quick, Healthy, and Customizable
Got 20 minutes? Then you can make stir-fry. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines veggies, protein, and flavor with minimal effort. You can swap in ingredients based on what you have on hand—no need for a special grocery run.
The Magic of Wok Cooking
Cooking in a wok is special. High heat locks in flavors. The sloped sides help distribute the ingredients in an even manner. Don’t have a wok? A large skillet works as well.
Essential Ingredients for Asian Stir-Fry
The Holy Trinity: Soy Sauce, Garlic, and Ginger
These three are key to most Asian stir-fry dishes. Soy sauce provides saltiness and depth, garlic gives a punch of flavor, and ginger adds a warm, zesty kick.
Must-Have Vegetables and Proteins
Go for colorful and crunchy! Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are excellent choices. For protein, consider chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp.
Noodles, rice, or both?
It’s your choice! Serve your stir-fry over steamed rice, toss it with noodles, or do both. Rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti works well.
Recipe 1: Classic Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
1 lb chicken breast, sliced
-
2 cups of broccoli florets
-
3 tbsp soy sauce
-
2 cloves of garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp ginger, grated
-
1 tbsp sesame oil
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
1/4 cup water
-
Cooked rice for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
-
Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about five minutes.
-
Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
-
Pour in the sauce and water, stirring until the sauce thickens.
-
Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!
Recipe 2: Spicy Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sriracha, and honey. Set it aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about four minutes.
-
Add bell peppers and onions, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Pour in the sauce and toss to coat.
-
Serve over rice or noodles, and dig in!
Recipe 3: Vegetarian Tofu and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
1 block of firm tofu, cubed
-
2 cups of mushrooms, sliced
-
1 cup snap peas
-
3 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
-
1 tbsp sesame oil
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
1/4 cup water
-
Cooked rice for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.
-
Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden, about five minutes.
-
Add mushrooms and snap peas; stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Pour in the sauce and water, stirring until it thickens.
-
Serve over rice and enjoy!
Recipe 4: Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
2 cups of snow peas
-
1 carrot, julienned
-
3 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil
-
1 clove of garlic, minced
-
Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
In a bowl, combine soy sauce and oyster sauce. Set aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add garlic and shrimp, cooking until pink, about three minutes.
-
Add snow peas and carrots, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Pour in the sauce and toss to coat.
-
Serve over rice or noodles and savor the flavors!
Recipe 5: Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Set aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add pork and cook until browned about five minutes.
-
Add bell pepper and pineapple, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Pour in the sauce and stir until you have coated everything.
-
Serve over rice and enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness!
Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry Every Time
Prep everything before you start
Stir-fry moves fast, so have all your ingredients chopped and ready. You don’t want to scramble for soy sauce mid-cook.
High Heat Is Your Friend
Crank up the heat! Stir-fry is all about quick cooking at high temperatures to lock in flavors.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Give your ingredients room to breathe. Overcrowding causes steaming, not searing, which can make your stir-fry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for stir-fry?
Yes, thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best substitute for soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos are a great gluten-free alternative with a similar taste.
How do I prevent my tofu from falling apart?
Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Can I make stir-fry ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If reheating, use a hot pan for the best texture.
What’s the secret to tender meat in stir-fry?
Slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it briefly in a bit of cornstarch and soy sauce before cooking.
