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Easy Weeknight Stir Fry

A 20-minute stir fry formula that works with any protein and any vegetables — seared hot and fast, then glossed with a 5-ingredient homemade sauce. Better than takeout, on the table in 20 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced (or beef, shrimp, or tofu)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil divided
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups mixed vegetables cut into bite-size pieces (broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, julienned carrots, snow peas)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 green onions sliced, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
  • Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
For the glossy stir fry sauce:
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch whisked with 2 tbsp cold water slurry

Method
 

  1. Whisk all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl; set aside. Toss the sliced protein with 1 tbsp cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over HIGH heat until shimmering. Add half the protein in a single layer; sear undisturbed 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining protein.
  3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Stir-fry the hard vegetables (broccoli, carrots) 2-3 minutes, then add quick-cooking vegetables (bell peppers, snow peas) plus garlic and ginger; stir-fry 1-2 minutes until fragrant and crisp-tender.
  4. Return the protein to the pan. Pour in the sauce and bring to a boil, then drizzle in the cornstarch slurry, stirring, until the sauce turns glossy and thick enough to coat everything, about 1 minute.
  5. Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately over rice or noodles.