Stir fry is a delicious and versatile dish that has become a staple in many households. It is a quick and easy meal that can be made with almost any combination of vegetables and protein. In this article, we will cover the steps needed to make stir fry and answer some questions you may have about the dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. of protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu)
– 2 cups of chopped vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, onions, squash, zucchini, etc.)
– 3 cloves of minced garlic
– 2 tbsp. of minced ginger
– 2 tbsp. of soy sauce
– 1 tbsp. of cornstarch
– 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Cut your protein into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. If using tofu, be sure to press it first to remove any excess water.
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and cornstarch to create a marinade.
3. Place your protein in the marinade and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
4. While the protein is marinating, chop your vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
5. Heat your vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
6. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Add your vegetables to the pan and stir for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened.
8. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
9. Drain the excess marinade from the protein.
10. Add the protein to the pan and stir for 3-4 minutes until browned.
11. Once the protein is browned, add the vegetables back into the pan and stir for an additional minute.
12. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
FAQs:
1. Can I make stir fry with frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in a stir fry, but keep in mind that they may release more moisture into the pan, which can affect the texture of your dish.
2. What is the best type of protein to use in stir fry?
Chicken, beef, shrimp, and tofu are all great options for protein in stir fry. Choose the type that you enjoy the most to make your dish more flavorful.
3. How do I prevent my stir fry from becoming too watery?
To avoid excess moisture in your stir fry, be sure to pat your vegetables and protein dry before adding them to the pan. You can also add cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the marinade to help thicken the sauce.
4. Can I make stir fry without a wok?
Yes, you can use a large skillet instead of a wok to make stir fry. Just be sure to use a pan that has enough space to toss your ingredients around.
5. What are some common stir fry sauces?
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and teriyaki sauce are all popular choices for stir fry sauces. You can also make your own sauce by mixing soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch.
