Stir-fry dishes are a lifesaver for hectic weeknights, offering quick, versatile, and flavorful meals. Good for busy days, these dishes can be prepared in under 30 minutes, using simple ingredients and bold sauces. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, seafood, tofu, or vegetables, there’s a stir-fry recipe for every taste and dietary preference. Packed with nutrients and requiring minimal prep, stir-fries are a wholesome and satisfying option for the whole family. Let’s dive into these 13 easy stir-fry recipes that will simplify your evenings and make dinner a breeze.
1. Classic Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe is nutritious, quick, and packed with flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat, add 500g sliced chicken breast, and stir-fry for 5 minutes until golden. Remove chicken and cook 2 cups broccoli florets with 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of ginger for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook until everything is well-coated. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
2. Beef and Snow Peas Stir-Fry
A savory, flavorful dish with tender beef and crisp snow peas. Marinate 500g thinly sliced beef in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and a pinch of garlic powder for 15 minutes. Heat a wok over high heat, add 2 tablespoons oil, and stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and stir-fry 2 cups snow peas for 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the beef, add 1/4 cup hoisin sauce, and toss until well coated. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal.
3. Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
A vibrant and savory dish packed with flavor and crunch. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook 1 minced garlic clove with 1 teaspoon grated ginger until fragrant. Add 500g thinly sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Toss in 2 cups sliced bell peppers, 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, and a splash of soy sauce for added depth. Stir-fry for another 3 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp but still vibrant. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashews
A colorful vegetarian dish packed with crunch, flavor, and nutrients. Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat and stir-fry 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup bell peppers, and 1 cup broccoli for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Toss in 1/4 cup roasted cashews for a nutty crunch and pour in a sauce made from 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water, and a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Stir until the vegetables are well-coated and glossy. Serve over fluffy quinoa or steamed rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
5. Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry
A bold and flavorful dish good for spice lovers. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over medium-high heat and cook 2 cups cubed eggplant for 5 minutes until golden and softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chili bean paste, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and a splash of soy sauce for extra depth. Stir-fry until the eggplant is well coated and absorbs the flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve over quinoa or steamed rice for a hearty, plant-based meal.
6. Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A sesame-flavored twist on a classic, full of savory and nutty goodness. Marinate 500g thinly sliced beef in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and a pinch of ginger for 20 minutes to enhance the flavors. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over high heat and stir-fry the beef for 3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and cook 2 cups broccoli for 4 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the beef, toss with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, and stir until well coated. Serve hot with rice or noodles for a hearty and flavorful meal.
7. Sweet and Sour Tofu Stir-Fry
A tangy and satisfying plant-based option that’s full of flavor. Cut 400g firm tofu into cubes and fry in 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu and stir-fry 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup colorful bell peppers, and 1/2 cup sliced onions for 3-4 minutes. Add a vibrant sauce made from 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey. Stir until everything is well coated, return the tofu, and toss to combine. Serve hot with jasmine rice or noodles for a balanced, plant-based meal.
8. Eggplant and Mushroom Stir-Fry
A hearty and flavorful dish with a spicy kick. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium-high heat and stir-fry 2 cups cubed eggplant and 1 cup sliced mushrooms for 5 minutes until tender and slightly golden. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 teaspoon chili paste, and a splash of sesame oil for extra depth. Stir until the vegetables are well coated and the sauce is glossy. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve hot with quinoa or rice noodles for a satisfying, plant-based meal.
9. Miso Glazed Cod Stir-Fry
A flavorful and wholesome dish with an umami-packed glaze. Marinate 500g cubed cod fillets in 2 tablespoons miso paste, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey for 15 minutes. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the cod until golden and slightly caramelized. Remove the cod and stir-fry 2 cups bok choy and shiitake mushrooms until tender. Pour in the remaining marinade, toss gently with the cod, and let everything coat evenly. Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds or fresh scallions for a delicious meal.
10. Spicy Tuna Stir-Fry
A bold and flavorful dish good for seafood lovers. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear 500g cubed fresh tuna for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and just cooked through. Remove the tuna and stir-fry 2 cups broccoli florets and sliced zucchini for 4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Return the tuna, toss gently to coat, and let the flavors meld. Serve hot over steamed rice for a satisfying and spicy meal.
11. Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry
A sweet and savory dish with tropical notes and vibrant colors. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add 500g sliced chicken, and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and stir-fry 1 cup pineapple chunks and 1 cup colorful bell peppers for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the chicken to the pan and toss with 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through. Serve hot over steamed rice for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
12. Peanut Sauce Stir-Fry
A creamy, nutty delight that’s rich in flavor and nutrients. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium-high heat and stir-fry 1 cup mixed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Prepare a smooth sauce by whisking together 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 tablespoons water, and a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated and glossy. Serve hot with noodles, quinoa, or steamed rice for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
13. Chili Garlic Beef Stir-Fry
A bold and spicy dish that’s packed with flavor. Marinate 500g sliced beef in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, and a pinch of black pepper for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over high heat and stir-fry the beef for 3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and cook 1 cup sliced onions and 1 cup colorful bell peppers for 4 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the beef to the pan and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra aroma. Serve hot over steamed rice for a satisfying, spicy meal.