Stir-fry is a quick, versatile, and flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It involves cooking vegetables, proteins, and sometimes noodles or rice over high heat with a savory sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. This easy and delicious stir-fry recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to whip up a fast, healthy meal. Follow along to learn how to make the perfect stir-fry every time.
Ingredients for Stir-Fry
For the Stir-Fry
- Chicken Breast – 1 pound, thinly sliced (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- Bell Peppers – 2, sliced into thin strips
- Broccoli Florets – 2 cups
- Carrots – 2, julienned
- Snap Peas – 1 cup
- Onion – 1 medium, sliced
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced
- Green Onions – 3, sliced
- Sesame Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons
For the Sauce
- Soy Sauce – 1/4 cup
- Oyster Sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Hoisin Sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Brown Sugar – 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
- Water – 1/4 cup
Optional
- Cooked Rice or Noodles – for serving
- Sesame Seeds – for garnish
How to Make Stir-Fry
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the Chicken: If using chicken, slice it thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. If you prefer a vegetarian option, cut the tofu into cubes.
- Chop the Vegetables: Prepare the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and onion by slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
2. Cook the Protein
- Heat the Oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside. If using tofu, cook until it is golden brown on all sides, then set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat More Oil: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine and Sauce
- Add Back the Protein: Return the cooked chicken (or tofu) to the wok with the vegetables.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle the stir-fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the stir-fry sauce beautifully. It’s low in fat and high in essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, making it a healthy choice for this dish. Alternatively, tofu can be used for a vegetarian option, providing a good source of plant-based protein and a satisfying texture.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the stir-fry. They are rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Bell peppers also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, providing fiber, vitamins C and K, and various antioxidants. It adds a nice texture and flavor to the stir-fry, complementing the other vegetables and the savory sauce.
Carrots
Carrots bring a natural sweetness and crunch to the stir-fry. They are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health.
Snap Peas
Snap peas are crisp and slightly sweet, adding another layer of texture to the stir-fry. They are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Snap peas are also a good source of plant-based protein.
Garlic and Ginger
Garlic and ginger are aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the stir-fry. Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Ginger adds a spicy, warm flavor and has been used for centuries to aid digestion and reduce nausea.
Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Hoisin Sauce
These sauces form the base of the stir-fry sauce, providing a balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. Soy sauce is a staple in Asian cuisine, made from fermented soybeans. Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory taste, while hoisin sauce is slightly sweet and tangy, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Rice Vinegar and Brown Sugar
Rice vinegar adds a tangy acidity that brightens the stir-fry, while brown sugar balances the savory and salty elements with a touch of sweetness. These ingredients help to create a well-rounded sauce that ties all the flavors together.
Stir-fry is a versatile and delicious dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. This easy recipe provides a balanced and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re using chicken or tofu, the combination of fresh vegetables and savory sauce creates a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry with a side of rice or noodles for a complete and delightful meal.
