A Guide on How to Stir Fry Like a Pro

Stir fry is a healthy way to cook your food quickly. This is an oriental method of cooking that has been adopted in many American homes. However, not all of us are experienced cooks and need help getting acquainted with this technique. This cooking technique involves sauteing of vegetables and meats on a high flame. Many amateur cooks tend to crowd their skillet with ingredients. This causes half-cooked or burned-up ingredients. The following paragraphs will shed light on how to get it right.

There are certain steps that you need to follow when trying to stir fry vegetables. The first thing to understand is the temperature required for cooking. You need to work on medium heat to help cook your vegetables well. You will need about three tablespoons of cooking oil added to a non-stick wok. If you do not have a wok, you can use a non-stick skillet. While the oil is heating up, you can add a few hot chillies. This will add some spice to your vegetables.

The vegetables should be cut in similar sizes. Either cut them lengthwise or in cubes, and make sure they are more or less the same size. You should begin by adding the vegetables that take longer to cook like peppers, broccoli, carrots, beans, etc.

Then add the onions, cabbage, etc. that take relatively lesser time to cook. Lastly add the ginger, garlic, and scallions for aroma. Make sure you do not crowd your skillet or wok with vegetables. Or else your vegetables will turn out to be soggy.

Keep stirring the vegetables at all times. Cook for about 3 more minutes and enjoy your crispy, hot vegetable stir fry!

Ingredients

• 1½ cups of onion wedges and red bell peppers
• ¼ pounds trimmed, sliced Shiitake mushrooms, and snow peas
• 2 tsp. minced garlic and ginger root
• 1 can drained baby corn
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 tbsp. salad dressing

Method of Preparation
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. You need to add onion wedges, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas to the skillet. Make sure you stir the vegetables a lot. After about 2 minutes, add garlic and ginger root and continue to cook for 1 minute and stir often.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook for 1 minute or until the vegetables are crisp and tender.

It is similar to the previous recipe. There is one extra step that you need to follow in this case. This step includes marination of the chicken as it will prevent overcooking. Let's see how to cook chicken through this technique in detail.

You need to cut chicken into small bite-size pieces. Then, marinate your chicken overnight or for a few hours. Next, cut the vegetables into evenly-sized pieces. In a large skillet, you need to add oil and heat it on high heat till you see smoke.

Add your marinated chicken to the skillet. Continue to stir and cook the chicken till it is seared and slightly undone. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate.

In the skillet containing oil, add the tough vegetables like carrots, peppers, etc. The soft veggies like onions are added after a minute or so. And lastly you can add some flavor and aroma by adding ginger and garlic. Continue to cook for 30 seconds and then add the chicken back into the skillet. You can any sauce as per your liking. You can also add a combination of sauces. You need to cook till the sauce thickens and all ingredients are well done. Serve hot.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless chicken breasts (skinless)
• 1 thin, long, sliced green bell pepper
• 1 chopped clove of garlic
• 2½ tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 jar of sweet and sour sauce

Method of Preparation
You need to cut your chicken into small cubes and add it to the marinade mix. Keep aside. In a large skillet, you need to heat oil over medium to high heat. Add chopped garlic and chicken. Cook till the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Now add the bell pepper, along with the sweet and sour sauce, stirring continuously. Now, lower the heat and cover the skillet. Allow the ingredients to simmer for about 10 minutes or till until bell pepper is tender. Serve hot.

Tofu is a delicate ingredient that needs to be cooked carefully. You don't want it crumbling or burning. To stir fry tofu, you need to get a well-pressed, firm block of tofu and cut it into small ½ inch cubes. You need to take a skillet with high sides and add 1 tablespoon of oil to it.

Once the oil is hot, you need to turn down the flame to medium. Then add tofu to the hot oil and continue to stir till it is slightly brown in color. Remove from heat and place it on a plate covered with paper towels.

You can add vegetables to the pan and stir fry them as explained above. Then, after about 2 to 3 minutes, add the tofu again. Continue frying for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Your tofu dish is ready to devour!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed tofu
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 1 diced clove garlic
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 cup cut broccoli
• 16 oz. chicken broth
• 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 5 tablespoons Teriyaki sauce
• 1 package bean thread noodles

Method of Preparation
You need to press out the moisture from tofu gently before use. Then cut it up into 1 inch cubes. Heat oil in a skillet and add garlic. Fry for 1 minute. You can now add tofu and fry it till it attains a golden brown color. To this add onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and ½ cup of chicken broth.

Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the noodles in another pot. Once the noodles are cooked, mix them together along with the remaining broth, Teriyaki sauce, and cornstarch. Add the tofu and vegetables. You need to continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Serve hot.

Stir frying vegetables, chicken, tofu, etc., are very easy once you get the hang of it. Use your creativity and add freshness to your very own stir fry. Enjoy!