Easy Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
Stir-fries are a fantastic option for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. They're incredibly versatile, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and they're ready in under 30 minutes! This easy stir-fry recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, but here's a great starting point:
- Protein (choose one): 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces), firm tofu (pressed and cubed), shrimp (peeled and deveined), or beef (thinly sliced).
- Vegetables (choose your favorites!): 1 bell pepper (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup snow peas. Feel free to experiment with mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, or any other veggies you enjoy.
- Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
First, prepare all your ingredients. This includes cutting your protein into bite-sized pieces and slicing your vegetables. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process much smoother and faster. Mince the garlic and ginger.
2. Whisk the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. This creates a smooth, flavorful sauce that will coat your stir-fry perfectly.
3. Stir-fry the Protein:
Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your protein and cook until it's browned and cooked through. If using chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the protein from the wok and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
Add the vegetables to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Don't overcrowd the wok; you may need to cook the vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked protein to the wok. Pour the sauce over the protein and vegetables, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious stir-fry immediately over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Use high heat: High heat helps to keep the vegetables crisp-tender.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time: This will make the cooking process much faster and easier.
- Get creative with your vegetables: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or that are in season.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: Add more or less soy sauce, honey/maple syrup, or vinegar to adjust the flavor to your preference.
This easy stir-fry recipe is a fantastic base that you can customize to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and sauces to create your own signature stir-fry! Enjoy!
