4 Steps For Stir Fry Success

Understanding The Stir-Fry Process
 

You'll find anything you do in the kitchen will have variations, not only the recipe, but how you cook it or what equipment you use. The same goes for stir-fry. And while there are variations for stir-fry cooking, there are some basics that will help you more successfully create a scrumptious stir-fry. Let’s take a look at the basics of a stir-fry process:

1.  Prepare Tools and Ingredients

Before you do anything else, you need to take the time to get everything prepared ahead of time. Wash and cut your proteins and vegetables and have them nearby so you can quickly throw them in the wok. This is one of the more important basics of stir-fry cooking because once your wok is heated and ready, the cooking process goes very quickly and doesn’t leave you time to step away and prepare your ingredients.

2.  Heat the Wok and Add the Oil

Now that you have all your ingredients prepared and organized, it’s time to prepare your wok. Preheat your wok over medium-high heat. When a drop of water added to the wok sizzles and evaporates quickly, the wok is ready to receive the oil. You only need a couple tablespoons of oil to cook a stir-fry if done properly. However, depending on the type of wok and recipe, you may need to add a bit during the stir-frying process. Be sure you use a 'high smoke point' oil for your stir-fry and keep it close by. Once the oil is added, swirl it around the wok, up the sides, and allow it to heat up, then you are ready to start adding ingredients.

3.  Cook the Protein

Your protein (beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.) will be cooked first so you can keep a close watch on it. You have already prepared your protein by cutting it small, marinating it and seasoning it. Stir-fry the protein in small batches, removing each batch before adding the next, otherwise the wok will cool down and the protein will stick. Hot oil and small batches work best to guarantee a good result and less sticking. When you add each small batch to the wok, remember to quickly stir the protein around, moving it up the sides of the wok as you stir.

4.  Cook the Vegetables

Now that the protein is cooked and set aside, move onto the vegetables. Cook a small amount of vegetables at a time so they cook evenly and thoroughly, and so the wok doesn't cool down. Start with the densest vegetables (celery, broccoli, bell peppers, etc.), then add the more tender vegetables (spinach, green onions, etc.). Remove each cooked batch to a bowl or plate and continue until all vegetables have been cooked. Of course, you'll be quickly stirring the ingredients, pushing them up the sides of the wok as you do to keep them crisp and only lightly coated with cooking oil. Finish with the garlic, herbs, seasonings, sauces, thickeners, and sesame oil.

Once everything has been cooked, toss it all back into the wok and give it a final stir just to heat everything up again. Your recipe may have you put the lid on the wok and remove the wok from the heat at this time to create a thickened sauce, or it may not.

And that's it! Yes, there are different ways to stir-fry, but these are the basic ‘rules’ that anyone cooking stir-fry should know. Once you master these basic steps, you can branch out and make your stir-fry truly unique with your very own signature moves!