What is a stir-fry?
A stir-fry is a method of cooking where ingredients are cooked quickly over high heat, usually in a wok or large pan, with constant movement. The result is fast-cooked food with bold flavour and good texture.
Do I need a wok to make a stir-fry?
No. A wok helps with heat distribution, but a large frying pan works perfectly well. The key is cooking over high heat and not overcrowding the pan.
What oil is best for stir-frying?
Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, peanut oil or sunflower oil. Sesame oil is usually added at the end for flavour rather than used for cooking.
What are the best ingredients for stir-fries?
Quick-cooking proteins like sliced meat, prawns or tofu work well, along with vegetables like peppers, greens and onions. Aromatics like garlic, ginger and chilli are essential for flavour.
How do you keep a stir-fry from going soggy?
Cook in batches if needed and keep the heat high. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and causes ingredients to steam rather than fry.
What are some quick Asian recipes for dinner?
Stir-fries, fried rice and noodle dishes are some of the quickest meals you can make. They rely on fast cooking and simple ingredients but still deliver big flavour.
Can I prepare stir-fry ingredients in advance?
Yes. In fact, it’s recommended. Once cooking starts, everything moves quickly, so having ingredients prepped and ready makes the process much easier.
What sauces are used in stir-fries?
Common sauces include soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce and chilli sauces. Many dishes also use simple combinations of these with garlic, ginger and sugar to balance flavour.
