How to Make Perfect Stir-Fry in 8 Minutes
Photography by Caitlin Bensel
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.
