Stir fry
Stir fry is a dish that has its origins in Southeast Asia, but has quickly become a favorite in many parts of the world. The dish is made by frying various ingredients together in a hot wok, usually with some oil or water to create a sauce.
In English cuisine, stir fry has become a popular alternative to more traditional dishes. Its simplicity, speed, and versatility make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, as well as more elaborate meals. English stir fry can include any number of ingredients, from vegetables and meat to tofu and seafood.
Cooking a good stir fry requires a bit of knowledge and technique, but with practice it becomes second nature. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process happens quickly and you won’t have time to chop vegetables as you go.
The first step in making an English stir fry recipe is to choose your ingredients. Popular options include snap peas, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, onions, garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. You can also add in meat, tofu, shrimp, or scallops depending on your preference.
Next, you will need to prep your ingredients. This means slicing vegetables into small, bite-size pieces and cutting meat into thin strips. If you are using shrimp or scallops, make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.
The next step is to heat your wok over high heat. Once the wok is hot, add in a tablespoon or two of oil. Peanut oil or vegetable oil are good options for stir fry, but you can use any oil you like. You can also use water instead of oil for a healthier option.
When the oil is hot, add in your meat and cook it until it is browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the wok and set it aside. If you are using shrimp or scallops, cook them until they are pink and cooked through.
Next, add in your vegetables to the wok. Start with any that take longer to cook, like broccoli or carrots, and add in other vegetables as you go. Stir the vegetables constantly to ensure they cook evenly.
Once your vegetables are cooked to your liking, add back in the meat, shrimp, or scallops. Stir everything together and add in any sauce you have prepared. Popular stir fry sauces include soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and teriyaki sauce.
Allow the stir fry to cook together for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened. Serve the stir fry hot over rice or noodles.
English stir fry is a delicious, healthy, and quick dinner option that can be customized to your liking. With the right technique and ingredients, you can have a delicious and flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. sliced beef sirloin or chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked white rice to serve
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced beef or chicken, and cook until browned and cooked thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sliced onion, red and green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef or chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the sauce to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce is thickened and the vegetables are coated.
- Return cooked beef or chicken to the pan, and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the stir fry hot over cooked white rice. Enjoy!