5 Steps to the Perfect Stir-Fry (Plus Recipes!)

By Laraine Perri
Updated October 26, 2020
Romulo Yanes
Here's how to cook up a fresh, flavor-packed dinner in just 15 minutes
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Fast, healthy dinners

A love letter to stir-fry fanatics everywhere: Here are 4 of our fave stir-fry recipes. Enjoy!

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Step 1: Prep your ingredients

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Once the heat is on, things move fast, and you don't want to risk scorching. Have everything sliced, diced and ready to go. (Hint: Freeze steak for 15 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to slice thinly and evenly.) Whip up a quick sauce, too, before you heat the pan.

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Step 2: Grab your pan

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No wok? No problem. A large nonstick skillet works well. Make sure it's at least 12 inches; stir-fries require space. Next, heat things up. Get the pan and oil seriously hot before cooking. The temperature will drop once you add ingredients.

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Step 3: Cook your main ingredient

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Whether it's chicken, seafood, tofu, meat or even a starring vegetable, cook it in batches for best browning. (If the pan is packed, the food will steam instead of sear.) Don't move it around before it's properly seared, or you won't get a nice crust.

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Step 4: Add vegetables and aromatics

Fill up with this healthy, protein-packed dish.

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Step 5: Stir in sauce

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Add the reserved protein (or starring veggie) back to the pan along with the sauce you premade. Cook, tossing well, until everything is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. (It shouldn't take longer than a minute or two.)

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Broccoli and Beef With Oyster Sauce

Romulo Yanes

This is the perfect meal to try going lighter on protein and heavier on vegetables. There's so much texture and flavor, you won't miss the meat.

Ingredients: Low-sodium soy sauce, dry sherry, cornstarch, sugar, freshly ground black pepper, flank steak, low-sodium chicken broth, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, peanut oil, broccoli florets, scallion, minced garlic, minded ginger, red pepper flakes, cooked jasmine rice

Calories: 262

Try This Recipe: Broccoli and Beef With Oyster Sauce

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Cauliflower Masala With Tofu

Romulo Yanes

If you like, you can swap in basmati rice instead of naan.

Ingredients: Coconut milk, garam masala, coconut oil, cauliflower florets, onion, fresh ginger, garlic, jalapeño, coriander, cumin, turmeric, kosher salt, prebaked tofu, frozen peas, cilantro, limes, naan

Calories: 313

Try This Recipe: Cauliflower Masala With Tofu

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Sweet Pepper and Chicken Fajita Stir-Fry

Romulo Yanes

If you don't have a wok, a large nonstick skillet works just as well. Just make sure it's at least 12 inches; stir-fries need space.

Ingredients: Fresh lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, chicken breasts, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, kosher salt, tortillas

Calories: 275

Try This Recipe: Sweet Pepper and Chicken Fajita Stir-Fry

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Thai Shrimp and Eggplant Stir-Fry

Romulo Yanes

Can't find Fresno chilies? Swap in a Serrano chili instead.

Ingredients: Fresh lime juice, Asian fish sauce, sugar, peanut oil, large shrimp, Japanese eggplants, garlic, Fresno chilies, scallions, basil, limes, rice noodles

Calories: 209

Try This Recipe: Thai Shrimp and Eggplant Stir-Fry

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By Laraine Perri