Quick & Simple Stir-Fry Recipe

Looking for a quick stir-fry recipe that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and serves up to four people? This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the steps of creating an authentic and flavorful stir-fry meal. With minimal effort, you'll have a satisfying dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Stir-frying is a popular cooking method that allows ingredients to be quickly cooked over high heat while retaining their nutrients and flavors. It's essential to choose fresh vegetables, tender meat or tofu, and appropriate stir-fry sauce for optimal results. This recipe focuses on chicken breast strips, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and a homemade sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and hot pepper flakes.

Ingredients

For this simple yet delicious stir-fry, you will need the following:

• 400g chicken breast strips, cut into thin slices
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 250g broccoli florets, trimmed and washed
• 100g carrots, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• A few dashes of hot pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil or peanut oil for stir-frying
• Rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

1. Start by prepping your vegetables. Wash the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, then slice them to similar sizes so they cook evenly.

2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, hot pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as your stir-fry sauce.

3. Heat up two tablespoons of cooking oil or peanut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. If you don't have a wok, use a regular pan with straight sides to ensure even heat distribution.

4. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are lightly browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F or 74°C).

5. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set aside on a plate. It's crucial to cook the meat first because you want to avoid overcrowding your wok.

6. Next, add the vegetables one by one into the hot oil, starting with the broccoli and carrots for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green but still have a slight crunch. Follow this order: bell peppers last since they take less time to cook.

7. When all veggies are partially cooked, pour in the stir-fry sauce mixture. Stir continuously to combine the sauce with the vegetables and chicken strips. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated with the sauce and heated through.

8. Serve hot over rice or noodles of your choice as a side dish or main course.

Conclusion

This stir-fry recipe offers an excellent balance between flavor, nutrition, and convenience. The quick cooking time ensures you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Not only does this dish taste great but it also provides essential vitamins and minerals thanks to its variety of colorful vegetables. Feel free to experiment with different sauces or add more protein if desired. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry!