Craving the flavors of your favorite Asian dish but don’t want to order takeout? Look no further! Vegetable Stir-Fry is the answer – a fast, simple, and delicious option that you can whip up in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use lingering veggies in your fridge. To ensure your stir-fried vegetables retain that satisfying crunch, we’ll share some essential tips for mastering the art of this basic stir-fry technique.
Tips for Stir-Frying Vegetables
1. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Keep it spacious. Stick to no more than four cups of chopped hard or medium-hard veggies or eight to 12 cups of chopped leafy greens in a 14-inch wok. If you’re using a sauté pan, opt for stir-frying firmer vegetables, as it may not be deep enough for leafy greens.
2. Dry the Vegetables: Ensure your vegetables are thoroughly dry. Use a salad spinner or pat them down with kitchen towels to prevent steaming and preserve that delightful crisp texture.
3. Pay Close Attention: Stir-frying is quick, especially when it’s just vegetables. Stay focused from start to finish; a two to three-minute recipe demands your full attention.
What Vegetables to Stir-Fry
The beauty of stir-frying lies in its adaptability. You can use any combination of vegetables from your fridge. Try romaine lettuce leaves or baby bok choy tossed in a flavorful garlic and chili sauce for a delicious twist. Consider adding red bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, snow peas, green beans, red onions, baby corn, or broccoli for variety.
What to Serve with Vegetable Stir-Fry
Enhance your stir-fry experience by pairing it with:
- Rice or noodles
- Add a protein source such as shrimp, chicken, or beef for a hearty and complete meal. If you add protein, double up on the sauce for an even coating.
- For crunch, add La Choy Chow Mein Noodles.
Equipment Needed:
- 14″ flat-bottom carbon steel wok or 12″ stainless steel skillet
- Fish spatula or another thin, flexible spatula
- Lid to cover the wok
INGREDIENTS
VEGETABLES
- red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, snow peas, green beans, red onions, baby corn, or broccoli
FOR THE SAUCE
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry or Shao Hsing rice wine
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
AROMATICS
- 3 medium cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño chiles, with seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
Vegetable Stir-Fry Instructions:
- Cut Up the Ingredients: Ensure uniform size for each ingredient.
- Make the Sauce: Combine sherry or Shao Hsing rice wine, broth, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Prepare Your Wok Space: Set bowls of vegetables, aromatics, and sauce near the stove.
- Heat the Wok or Skillet: Over high heat, heat the wok until a droplet of water evaporates within 1 to 2 seconds.
- Add Oil: Pull the wok off the heat, add oil, and swirl to coat.
- Add Aromatics: Put the wok back on the heat, add garlic and chiles, and stir for 10 seconds.
- Add Vegetables: Push garlic aside, add vegetables, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Set Timer: Approximately 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
- Stir-Fry for 1 Minute: Until veggies begin to wilt.
- Add Sauce: Pour around the sides stir-fry to coat.
- Cover and Cook: 15 seconds.
- Uncover and Stir-Fry: 30 to 60 seconds, or until veggies are crisp-tender and bright green.
Now, armed with these tips and a step-by-step guide, you’re ready to create your own perfect, crunchy vegetable stir-fry at home! Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade Asian-inspired dish. Remember, you can interchange veggies or sauces for a different stir-fry dish.
Try other Asian inspired recipes: