Stir-Fry Made Simple

By Suzanne Lenzer June 10, 2013
Credit: Kana Okada
Stir-frying is a phenomenally easy way to add some sizzle to your weeknight dinners. The three hallmarks of this Asian style of cooking are the pan you cook in (stir-fries are traditionally made in a wok, but a large skillet works, too), high heat, and constant stirring. It takes mere minutes, so be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start!
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Foolproof Stir-Fry: Step 1

Credit: Kana Okada

Cut all your ingredients into small, similarly sized pieces so they cook at about the same rate. However, those that take longer -- like carrots or chicken -- should be added to the pan first so they can get a head start.

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Foolproof Stir-Fry: Step 2

Credit: Kana Okada

Put the fat in your wok and turn the heat to medium-high. The oil should be very hot before you add your ingredients.

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Foolproof Stir-Fry: Step 3

Credit: Kana Okada

Stir the ingredients frequently so they retain their flavor, color, and crispness. Keep them constantly moving the whole time to evenly distribute the heat. You're done when veggies are just tender and the meat or fish is just cooked through.

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Baby Bok Choy With Garlic and Sesame

Credit: Kana Okada
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This dish uses two types of oil: The mild peanut oil stands up to the high heat of stir-frying and the sesame oil brings a richness to the bok choy.

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Beef with Celery, Cilantro, and Mint

Credit: Kana Okada
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Slicing the beef and celery thinly helps get dinner on the table fast.

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Fast-Fried Noodles With Chicken, Lettuce, Carrots, and Peanuts

Credit: Kana Okada
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Lettuce and crunchy carrots make this noodle dinner kid-friendly and healthy.

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Rice With Shrimp, Scrambled Eggs, and Scallions

Credit: Kana Okada
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Leftover rice is key to this dish (freshly cooked rice is not dry enough). If you don't have any on hand, make a pot in the morning and pop it into the fridge for a few hours to dry out.

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Pork With Broccoli and Hoisin Sauce

Credit: Kana Okada
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Serve this main dish on its own or round out dinner with a side of brown rice.

Copyright &copy 2013 Meredith Corporation.

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