How To Use Stir-Fry To Cook A Variety Of Cuisines

When you think of making stir-fry meals, do you automatically think about a wok filled with Asian inspired ingredients and flavors? It's understandable, simply because that's what we are used to.

But, the fact is, many cultures have a version of stir-fry dishes. They may not all use a wok, but many cuisines take advantage of a large, very hot, and very fast cooking method. Depending on the cuisine, some dishes may require a bit of simmering time after the hot stir-fry cooking is complete. It all depends on the flavors, ingredients, and desired results. Let's take a look at just a few ideas to create different cuisines right in your wok.

Italian

If you think of all the great flavors and ingredients in Italian cooking, you can see how stir-fry cooking and Italian cuisine are a natural pairing. Get your pasta cooked separately and set aside. Heat the wok, add the oil and whole garlic cloves to infuse the garlic flavor into the oil before you begin adding ingredients, removing the garlic cloves before you start stir-frying the remaining ingredients.

Celery, green peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant are just a few ingredients that work well in all Italian cooking. Remember your fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh oregano stirred in at the last minute of cooking. Finish the dish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, then add the pasta to the wok, toss to coat, and sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese over before serving.

Greek

There are several flavors and ingredients that we recognize instantly as Greek cuisine. When you cook with lemon, fennel, mint, and cinnamon, you will instantly be thinking of Dolmades (wrapped grape leaves). Quickly stir-fry thin slices of lamb or beef, toss in some fresh spinach, Greek olives, and Feta cheese and you will have a delightful stir-fry reminiscent of the most delicious gyros.

Don't forget the Greek classic, tzatziki, a sauce that's made with lots of cucumber, dill, and yogurt. Make this sauce and add a dollop to the top of the completed stir-fry dish. Serve your stir-fry in pita pockets or on rice for a filling and delicious Greek meal.

Indian

Most people who love Indian food describe it as "warm and comforting." Although Indian cuisine can also be spicy, the result should be an overall sense of warmth. Think about the seasonings and the ingredients in Indian cooking that are warming. You'll be leaning toward the very aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, curry, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala.

Ingredients such as potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, squash, mushrooms, onion, coconut, and mint will be very familiar in Indian cooking. Stir-frying Indian cuisine often requires a bit of additional simmering time with the lid on. Well, that's why woks come with lids. There are times when you need to let the flavors blend together over a lower heat, but the higher heat works well in the first steps to lock in the flavors and nutrition, and get the spices 'super-charged.'

Mexican

If you deconstruct a burrito, taco, enchilada, or any Mexican dish, it's easy to see where everything could come together in a similar fashion in a wok. You are basically making a fajita, cooking everything fast and hot. Get your protein, beans, onions, peppers, corn, and tomatoes together with all your favorite spices and salsa, and start stir-frying.

The wok is also the perfect instrument for heating tortillas quickly and evenly. Just lay them on the high sides of the hot wok and they will be light golden brown in moments, ready to combine with your favorite ingredients.

When you think of stir-frying, don't limit your imagination and creativity. Just like any cooking method, think of the possibilities. Once that wok gets hot, a whole world of delicious dishes opens up to you!