Easy Stir Fry Recipe
Stir-frying is a quick and easy cooking technique popular in many Asian cuisines. It involves cooking small pieces of meat, vegetables, and/or noodles in a hot wok or frying pan with a small amount of oil and various seasonings and sauces.
One of the great things about stir-frying is that it’s versatile – you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand and customize the recipe to your taste. Plus, it’s a healthy cooking method that retains the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients.
In this easy stir fry recipe, we’ll use chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles, but feel free to substitute them with your favorite proteins and veggies. Let’s get started!
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What Is Stir Fry?
Stir-fry is a cooking technique that originated in China and is popular throughout many Asian cuisines. It involves quickly cooking small pieces of food in a hot wok or frying pan with a small amount of oil over high heat while constantly stirring or tossing the ingredients to ensure they cook evenly.
Stir-fry typically involves using a combination of meat, vegetables, and/or noodles, along with various sauces and seasonings. The ingredients are typically cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
Stir-frying is a healthy cooking method that retains the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients. Plus, it’s a versatile cooking method that allows you to use whatever ingredients you have on hand and customize the recipe to your taste.
Related: Pork Satay With Peanut Sauce
Learn How To Make The Easiest Stir-Fry Ever
Here’s an easy stir-fry recipe that you can make with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, sliced onions, and snap peas)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
- Heat a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until browned and cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are coated.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until everything is heated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
This easy stir-fry recipe is customizable, so feel free to swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Enjoy!
How To Make Stir-Fry Sauce
Here’s a simple recipe for a stir-fry sauce that you can use to add flavor to your stir-fry dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Use the stir-fry sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
You can adjust the amounts of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch. For a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar. Use this sauce to add flavor to your stir-fry dishes by adding it to the wok or frying pan during the final stages of cooking.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make Basic Stir-Fry?
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add the protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic to the same pan and cook until softened.
Add the bell pepper and other vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, and chicken or vegetable broth in a small bowl until smooth.
Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked protein to the pan and stir-fry to combine for another minute or two.
Serve hot cooked rice or noodles.
What Should I Put In My Stir-Fry?
You can put various ingredients in your stir-fry, depending on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some common ingredients used in a stir-fry:
Protein: Chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu, tempeh, or a combination.
Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, snap peas, bok choy, zucchini, onions, garlic, ginger, or any other vegetables you like.
Sauce: Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, or a combination.
Flavorings: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, spices like red pepper flakes or black pepper, and aromatics like minced garlic or ginger.
What Is The Secret To A Great Stir-Fry?
There are a few secrets to making a great stir-fry. Here are some tips:
High Heat: This will allow the ingredients to cook quickly and retain their crispiness.
Cut ingredients into small, uniform pieces.
Use a good quality wok or pan. A carbon steel wok is ideal, but a large skillet or frying pan will also work.
Add the ingredients in the right order, starting with the protein, vegetables, and sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the ingredients to steam rather than fry.
