Quick and Easy Stir-Fries for Any Day
Stir-fries are a fantastic way to whip up a delicious, nutritious meal in a flash. Here are three simple and tasty stir-fry recipes to try when you’re short on time but craving something flavorful.
1. Classic Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sesame oil and sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the pan and add soy sauce and honey. Stir everything together until well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!
2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add water to help steam and soften the broccoli.
- Return the beef to the pan and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with rice or noodles.
3. Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed veggies (snap peas, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili sauce (optional)
- Cooked noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add ginger and garlic, then sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the shrimp back to the pan along with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili sauce if desired. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve with noodles or rice and enjoy!
These quick stir-fries are perfect for a busy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Get creative with your ingredients and sauces to make them your own!