How to Make Perfect Stir-Fry in 8 Minutes

There's a time and place for low and slow, but this isn't it. Grab your wok or another large, sturdy skillet and crank up the heat to high. Dinner's ready in 8 minutes flat!
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Skillet with stir fry and runny egg

Start Here

1 Minute

Add your high-heat oil (like peanut or grapeseed), then the aromatics (garlic, ginger, chiles, etc.). Once they begin to sizzle, it’s time to move on.

2 Minutes

Feel free to fry an egg in the oil and set it aside to top your stir-fry. (Or not.) Next, add some thinly sliced protein (chicken, beef, tofu). Move it around so it cooks evenly, adding oil if things start to stick. When the protein is browned and cooked through (in the case of meat), transfer to a plate.

4 Minutes

Add harder veggies like thinly sliced broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, and onion. Add a splash of water to help them cook.

6 Minutes

Drop in softer veggies (mushrooms, greens) and stuff that should be served crisp-tender (celery, green beans). When the veggies are cooked, add the protein back in.

8 Minutes

Using a spatula, swipe the stir-fry to one side, then add a splash of sauce (soy, teriyaki, etc.) to a corner of the pan. Let it cook for a minute to concentrate the flavor. Mix it all together, then dig in!

Prep It

You know how cooking shows have the ingredients pre-chopped to keep things moving? Do that here to make sure you have what you need when you need it. Cut veggies into bite-size pieces and slice meat very thinly. Keep them near the stove, either on a cutting board or in small bowls.