Stir-frying is a culinary art that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor. With the right ingredients, techniques, and timing, you can create mouth-watering dishes in no time. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 quick stir fry recipes that are sure to become your new go-to meals. From classic beef and broccoli to sweet and sour chicken, our list features a diverse array of flavors and ingredients to suit every palate.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent looking for quick meal solutions, these recipes are perfect for a weeknight dinner rush. With most of them taking under 30 minutes to prepare, you can’t go wrong! So, let’s get started with our first recipe…
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! This beef and broccoli stir fry is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and broccoli to the pan. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
A flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for an additional minute to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
A flavorful and quick stir-fry recipe that combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the savory taste of chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunchbox addition.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup cooked noodles (such as soba or udon)
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return chicken to skillet and pour in teriyaki sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Serve over cooked noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Tofu Stir Fry
This quick and easy stir-fry recipe combines the flavors of crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and savory soy sauce for a nutritious and delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper and mixed vegetables to the pan and cook until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Return the tofu to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry recipe that combines the savory taste of beef with the aromatic warmth of sesame and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Sesame seeds and sliced scallions for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from wok.
3. In the same wok, add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add cooked beef back into the wok and stir-fry until coated with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions (if using).
8. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Soy Pork Stir Fry
A sweet and savory stir-fry that combines the flavors of honey and soy sauce with tender pork and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork strips (such as loin or tenderloin)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers and continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and ginger. Pour into the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.
6. Return the pork to the pan and stir-fry until coated with the sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry
Quickly stir-fry chicken, basil, and vegetables in a flavorful Thai-inspired sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
– 2 teaspoons Thai basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from wok.
3. Add bell peppers, snow peas, and garlic; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the wok with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and Thai basil leaves. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Ginger Vegetable Stir Fry
A flavorful and healthy stir-fry recipe that combines the pungency of garlic and ginger with a variety of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to tenderize.
4. Add the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines the tanginess of sweet and sour flavors with the crunch of chicken and vegetables, all cooked to perfection in a wok. This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from wok and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the wok. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add pineapple and cooked chicken back into the wok. Pour in sweet and sour sauce and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
This Asian-inspired stir fry recipe combines juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and savory vegetables in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup raw cashews
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add garlic, cashews, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and honey. Pour into the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and cook until coated in the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Pepper Shrimp Stir Fry
A bright and citrusy twist on traditional shrimp stir-fries, this recipe combines the flavors of lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic to create a dish that’s both refreshing and savory.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Peanut Noodle Stir Fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry recipe that combines the creaminess of peanut sauce with the springy texture of noodles, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped peanuts or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers; stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter and soy sauce.
6. Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet; stir-fry for 1 minute.
7. Combine cooked noodles with the stir-fry mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mongolian Beef Stir Fry
Experience the bold flavors of Mongolia with this quick and easy stir fry recipe, featuring tender beef and a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil.
6. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables.
7. Return the beef to the pan and stir to coat with the sauce.
8. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kung Pao Chicken Stir Fry
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this spicy and savory Kung Pao chicken stir fry, a classic Chinese dish that combines crispy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and pungent chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
– 1/4 cup chili peppers, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, peanuts, scallions, and chili peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, wine, and cornstarch. Add to the wok and stir-fry for an additional 1 minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Szechuan Tofu Stir Fry
Experience the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this quick and easy tofu stir fry recipe, featuring spicy chili peppers, savory soy sauce, and crunchy peanuts. This dish is a perfect representation of the harmonious balance between hot and cold, sweet and sour, and soft and crispy textures that define Szechuan cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 cup chili flakes (or more to taste)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped peanuts or cashews, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns; stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Add tofu and cook until golden brown (3-4 minutes).
4. Add mixed vegetables, chili flakes, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture; stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp (5-6 minutes).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice Stir Fry
A sweet and savory twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the freshness of pineapple with the comfort of a warm stir fry.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
6. Mix the vegetables back into the rice.
7. Stir in the soy sauce and add the diced pineapple. Cook for an additional minute.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ginger Scallion Beef Stir Fry
Savor the bold flavors of this Asian-inspired stir-fry, featuring tender beef, crunchy scallions, and a spicy kick from fresh ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the beef strips to the marinade, tossing to coat. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. Add the scallions and stir-fry for an additional minute, until they’re tender-crisp.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry
A classic Chinese-inspired stir-fry recipe that combines tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a bold black pepper flavor. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in black pepper and salt to taste.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to stir up some flavor with these 18 quick and delicious stir fry recipes! From classic beef and broccoli to spicy garlic shrimp, teriyaki chicken, and more, there’s something for every taste bud. Try our sesame ginger beef, honey soy pork, Thai basil chicken, or sweet and sour chicken for a flavorful twist. And don’t forget our vegetarian options like vegetable tofu and garlic ginger vegetable. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, spicy, or sweet, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-make stir fry recipes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.