Looking for a fast and easy meals to make – a stir-fry is that meal.
Stir-fries are quick, easy, and very versatile. All you need to do is learn the basics of putting together a great stir-fry.
A delicious stir-fry is typically prepared with four important ingredients. These include one pound of protein, two pounds of vegetables and a basic stir-fry sauce.
You can add spices and herbs to change the flavor profile of the dish as well.
Some stir-fries can include rice noodles, wheat noodles or spiraled vegetable noodles – like these dishes.
Stir-Frying With A Wok
A stir-fry is typically made in a Wok. Using a wok is a great cooking method as it cooks food without having to add a lot of oil.
A wok is built to heat up in such a way that food cooks fast, meats get a nice sear and vegetables cook quickly so they are not overcooked and retain their flavor.
If you don’t have a Wok, no problem. You can add some oil to a cast iron, hard anodized or ceramic coated skillet. Just make sure the skillet you choose is really hot before adding your ingredients.
Using The Right Oil
A stir-fry needs a cooking oil that has a high smoking point because of the high temperature of frying.
Read More Here About Smoke Point Of Cooking Oils
Asian cooks typically use soybean oil, vegetable oil or peanut oil, all of which have a high smoke point.
Peanut oil usually has a pleasant nutty flavor and is suitable not only for stir-frying but also for deep-frying. Peanut oil can be heated to 450 F/232 C without burning.
Canola oil, which has a high smoke point to 400 F/204 C, and has a neutral flavor. If you burn this oil, it does have a rancid flavor.
Other types of oil you can use are refined coconut oil (450 F/232 C) or avocado oil (500 F/260 C). Both when refined for high heat cooking have a neutral flavor.
Oils to avoid include extra-virgin olive, or sesame oil, as both have a low smoke point.
Also avoid using butter or shortening.
You Can Also Use Your Neutral Flavor Avocado Oil To Make Homemade Mayonnaise
Making A Stir-Fry
A stir-fry cooks fast and uses high heat. Therefore, it is very important to cut your ingredients into thin small pieces.
Sweet & Sour Chicken Stir-Fry
Also have everything prepared before heating the oil. Once the oil is hot, you’ll want to stir-fry quickly at high heat.
If you are adding meat, either beef or poultry, cook it first and then set it aside. You will add it back to the wok or skillet once the vegetables are cooked and the sauce is added.
Simple and Easy Beef Stir-Fry with Coconut Milk
Add ingredients based on the amount of time they need to cook. Broccoli or carrots for example, should go into the wok or skillet before the scallions.
Keep your stir-fry moving. If you allow it to sit, you’ll end up with something closer to a stew.
Pork & Green Bean Stir-Fry With Sweet Potato Fried Rice
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