Stir frying is an easy, versatile and quick technique that all home cooks can use every day! As it can incorporate meat and vegetables, stir frying is one of the ideal ways to whip up a delicious family meal in no time at all. Because foods cook in a flash, vegetables retain their color and texture and meats are flavorful and moist.
Here are some tips to follow;
- Prepare your meat or protein - Cut into thin strips so that it cooks quickly. (Chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu)
- Chop your vegetables – They should be about the same size and shape so they cook evenly. Make sure the vegetables are fairly dry. Bell peppers, onions, carrots (sliced or cut thin), broccoli, spinach, bok choy are some examples.
- Heat the pan – Woks or flat bottomed skillets are ideal. Preheat the pan, add a small amount of oil and rotate so it coats the surface.
- Cook separately - Cook your proteins and vegetables separately, since they have different cooking times. It doesn’t have to be cooked all the way, since you’ll be adding it back into the wok in the end for a final toss.
- Don’t burn the spices - Brown any ingredients that may burn or overcook. (Onions, garlic, ginger and spices). Remove and set aside.
- Don’t crowd the pan – If needed, cook in batches and combine at the end. Firm vegetables like carrots, peppers and broccoli will take longer. Leafy vegetables like spinach and bok choy can be added in at the end.
- Don't stir too much - Allow the vegetables to remain crisp and the meat to sear and develop flavor
- Add a dash of sauce – If needed, a BBQ or soy sauce can be added but make sure it’s just enough to only coat the stir fry ingredients with flavor.
