How to Stir Fry: 13 Steps
1. Prepare your ingredients: Before cooking, gather and prepare all of your ingredients. Cut your chosen vegetables, protein, aromatics, and have your sauces and oils handy. This will ensure a fast and efficient stir-frying process.
2. Choose the right wok or pan: For best results, use a wok or a large, deep frying pan with high sides to allow for easy tossing and stirring of ingredients.
3. Preheat the wok or pan: Place the wok over medium-high heat, allowing it to preheat until hot but not smoking.
4. Add oil: Pour a small amount of vegetable or canola oil into the heated wok, enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
5. Cook the protein first: If using meat, poultry, or tofu as your protein source, add it to the hot oil and cook until it is almost done, stirring constantly for even cooking. Remove from the wok and set aside on a plate.
6. Add aromatics: Add any garlic, ginger, shallots, or onions into the hot oil in the same pan, stirring frequently for around 30 seconds or until fragrant.
7. Start with hard vegetables: Add denser vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower first to give them more cooking time. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.
8. Add softer vegetables: Once hard vegetables have started to soften slightly, add any softer vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini and continue to stir fry for another 1-2 minutes.
9. Reintroduce protein: Add your previously cooked protein back into the wok along with any pre-cooked noodles if using.
10. Combine sauces and seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), sugar (optional), salt (if needed), and any other desired seasonings. Taste and adjust according to your preference.
11. Pour sauce over the stir fry: Drizzle the sauce evenly over your ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat all the vegetables and protein.
12. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes: Let the mixture cook together for a minute or two until all the flavors meld together, and the vegetables are cooked but still have a slight crunch to them.
13. Serve immediately: Transfer your stir fry to a serving dish or plates, garnishing with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs as desired. Remember to serve hot and enjoy!
With these 13 easy steps, you’ll be able to concoct a delicious and healthy stir fry meal in no time. Remember to customize your dish by using your favorite vegetables, protein, and sauce combinations!