How to make a stir-fry
Here’s how to make a stir-fry like a pro with vegan, vegetarian, chicken, beef and other proteins, tender-crisp vegetables and a choice of sauces
Words by: Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse
Stir-fries are a quick, easy, and healthy dinner for those busy mid-week meal times. Guaranteed to please all the family, their versatility means there’s a variety of proteins, vegetables, sauces and noodles to choose from. From our turkey stir-fry and beef stir-fry, to vegan and vegetarian options, to summer ready noodle salads, there's something for everyone.
For more quick and easy family dinners, see our 5-ingredient family meal recipes.
How to make a stir-fry
Stir-fry proteins
If you’re going for a meat option, choose lean, tender cuts. If you’re going veggie, opt for extra firm tofu for a nice crispy outside.
- Chicken
- Beef
- Prawn
- Pork
- Tofu
- Salmon
- Duck
- Turkey
Stir-fry vegetables
Use fresh or frozen vegetables to brighten up your stir-fry and add some nutritious flavour. Make sure to chop the veg up into similar-sized chunks to ensure everything cooks at the same speed.
- Broccoli
- Bok choy
- Black bean
- Green beans
- Mushrooms
- Peppers
- Sugar snap peas
- Beansprouts
Stir-fry sauces
Add your sauce of choice to bring your protein and veggies together. Make sure to do so when the stir-fry is nearly finished cooking and be fairly conservative with the amount to avoid soggy veg.
- Teriyaki
- Hoisin
- Sweet chili
- Black bean
- Fish sauce
- Peanut
Stir-fry noodles
Noodles act as the backdrop to your stir-fry, letting the flavoursome protein and veg shine through. You probably want to do this step first and have your noodles nearly ready before cooking your protein and veg as the stir-fry itself comes together quickly.
- Egg noodles
- Rice noodles
- Wheat noodles
Alternatively, you can serve your stir-fry with white or brown rice. Learn how to cook rice with our comprehensive video.
Top 10 stir-fry recipes
1. Pork noodle stir-fry recipe
This pork stir-fry, made with lean pork mince and egg noodles, takes just 30 minutes to make and is a great, balanced meal for all the family. Using a pre-mixed stir-fry vegetable pack removes the need to pre-portion your veggies, saving you valuable time and getting your dinner on the table even faster.
2. Ginger, sesame, chilli prawn & broccoli stir-fry
This budget friendly, seafood stir-fry is simple to throw together midweek. Low fat, packed full of flavour and ready in 15 minutes – what’s not to love?
3. Sticky noodles with homemade hoisin
This vegan stir-fry with Chinese five spice, crunchy peanut butter and a homemade hoisin sauce, packs in four of your five a day in only one meal. The recipe is easily adaptable and the soya beans can be switched out with any preferred protein.
4. Soy & chilli chicken with peppers & peanuts
Try our takeaway-style soy and chilli chicken stir-fry with rice on the side or noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a perfect Friday night treat.
5. Watercress & chicken stir-fry
This stir-fry’s homemade sauce is easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your cupboards. With a mix of tender veg, chicken breast and cashew nuts, this filling dinner is balanced, healthy and easy to make.
6. Beef bulgogi stir-fry
This low calorie stir-fry is quicker than ordering a takeaway and better for you. With tender strips of steak, pineapple and chili flakes, this dinner packs a punch.
7. Ginger sweet tofu with pak choi
This vegan stir-fry is bursting with flavour – just make sure to marinate your tofu properly. Poke a few holes in the tofu to help the marinade to soak in.
8. Kung pao cauliflower & prawn stir-fry
Home alone? This single serving stir-fry is ready in only 25 minutes and is easily made vegan by omitting the prawns and doubling up on the veg – the perfect dinner for one.
9. Stir-fried beef with oyster sauce
A classic Chinese dish, this mix of red peppers and marinated lean beef gives you all the flavour you want with none of the hassle.
10. Thai satay stir-fry recipe
With only five minutes of prep time, this peanut packed stir-fry is a simple yet effective way to end the day.
If you enjoyed these recipes, why not try these other easy, family-friendly dinners?
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