Best Stir Fry Recipes For A Quick Weeknight Meal

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When you're craving a speedy yet delectable dinner, these sensational stir-fry recipes are a go-to. Packed with an array of colorful vegetables and a diverse selection of proteins such as shrimp, beef, chicken, and pork, they're a feast for your taste buds.

What's better? They come together in no time—each dish takes less than an hour, with some ready to serve in just 15 minutes. Whether you opt for a traditional wok or a versatile skillet, these 20 recipes promise to be repeat favorites for hassle-free weeknight dinners.

1. Pad See Ew

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Pad See Ew easily secures a spot on everyone's list of top 10 Thai dishes, and the reasons are clear. This Southeast Asian delight features thinly sliced wok-seared beef, alongside Chinese broccoli and chewy rice noodles.

Widely available among street food vendors and a staple in Thai restaurants worldwide, the dish traces its origins to China, where the art of noodle stir-frying was first introduced.

2. Kung Pao Chicken

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Kung Pao chicken, also known as Gong Bao or Kung Po, is a flavorful Chinese stir-fry that includes chicken cubes, vegetables, peanuts, and chili peppers.

Originating in the Sichuan province in southwestern China, this classic dish is characterized by the addition of Sichuan peppercorns. Despite its widespread popularity in China, various regions offer adaptations with milder spice levels compared to the traditional Sichuan style.

3. Shrimp Stir-Fry with Edamame

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Shrimp Stir-Fry with Edamame combines succulent shrimp and edamame beans in an Asian-inspired dish with colorful veggies, delivering a satisfying crunch. Seasoned with the rich flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, the shrimp adds a layer of savory goodness to the ensemble.

The addition of edamame not only contributes to the satisfying crunch but also brings protein to this quick and wholesome preparation. Ideal for those seeking an easy, delicious, and health-conscious meal, this dish stands as a reliable go-to option.

If you're a fan of shrimp, why not explore more enticing shrimp recipes for dinner? Dive into our collection of Easy Weeknight Shrimp & Rice Dinners for a variety of options.

4. Tofu Stir-Fry

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This Tofu Stir Fry, inspired by restaurant flavors, is richly savory, slightly spicy, and perfectly saucy. For optimal results, select frozen extra-firm tofu to boost flavor absorption. Briefly simmer the tofu in salted water to improve its resilience and reduce the risk of crumbling during pan cooking.

5. Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions

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This Mongolian beef recipe is a delicious and savory dish that is easy to make at home. Tender slices of beef are cooked to perfection in Mongolian sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory tastes. The addition of fresh spring onions adds crunch and a hint of freshness to each bite.

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for the best experience. Whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a flavorful and quick homemade meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

6. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

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The dish combines tender, seared beef and fresh, crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory sauce. As the beef and veggies wok-fry, they absorb the complex flavors of the sauce. The beef browns nicely on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

Meanwhile, the broccoli cooks until vibrant green and slightly softened but still retains a nice crunch. The best part? This stir fry effortlessly comes together in under 30 minutes. Craving more of this exceptional combination? Dive into our collection of the best Beef and Broccoli Recipes to enjoy throughout the week.

7. Pork Belly Stir-Fry

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Picture soft, melt-in-your-mouth pork with a mix of flavors. Each bite has a crispy edge with a hint of sweet soy sauce and spicy chilies. Colorful and crunchy vegetables add freshness, balancing the richness of the pork. The smell is amazing - a mix of ginger, garlic, and savory notes. Every bite is a burst of sweetness, savoriness, and spiciness, all in perfect harmony.

8. Tofu, Watercress, and Zucchini Stir-fry

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Making a stir-fry with watercress is super simple! You don't need to cook it before tossing it in with the other ingredients. It takes only 1 to 2 minutes to cook, much quicker than other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.

Perfect for a fast and tasty vegetarian meal in the summertime, it won't keep you stuck at the stove for long. The sauce is light, with just the right amount of garlic, allowing the delicate flavors of watercress and zucchini to shine. Don't forget to pat the tofu really dry before stir-frying.

9. Ground Turkey Stir Fry

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Ready in just 20 minutes, this ground turkey stir fry tastes way better than takeout. The key is to load up the pan with fresh veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and scallions. Their bright colors and textures bring the ground turkey to life.

A simple sauce, made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, imparts bold Asian flavors to everything. Unlike beef or chicken, the turkey cooks up with a light and delicate texture, almost melting into the veggies and sauce.

Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas or bean sprouts. Serve the stir fry over steamed rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

10. Vegetable Teriyaki Stir Fry

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Whether you're a seasoned vegan enthusiast or just exploring the plant-based realm, this Vegetable Teriyaki Stir-Fry promises a flavorful journey that's both satisfying and irresistibly simple. Imagine a burst of crisp, fresh veggies embracing the rich, savory notes of teriyaki sauce.

This dish is a celebration of nature's bounty, featuring an ensemble of tender watercress, hearty zucchini, and protein-packed tofu. In the heat of summer, this dish is your ticket to a swift and mouthwatering vegetarian feast.

11. Asparagus Tofu Stir Fry

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This asparagus tofu stir fry makes for a nutritious and satisfying plant-based weeknight dinner. Tofu and asparagus cook up quickly in a skillet with bold Asian flavors. The tofu takes on the flavors of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Meanwhile, the asparagus brightens the dish with its green color and texture. It can be served as a light main dish or even a side to add some greens to your dinner schedule. The easy preparation and short ingredient list make this an accessible dish for even busy nights.

12. Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

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Ramen noodle stir fry is an easy-to-make dish that combines delicious Asian flavors. It starts with boiling ramen noodles and then stir-frying them with colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. The secret sauce, made with soy sauce and optional oyster sauce, adds a savory kick.

You can toss in your favorite protein, like chicken or tofu, for extra yumminess. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and you've got a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for any day.

Related: Best Ramen Noodle Recipes You Should Know About

13. Carrot Stir Fry

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Imagine a plate filled with Carrot stir-fry, a happy mix of bright orange colors that brings simple joy to your taste buds. It's like a lively concert on your plate! This dish gives you a perfect combo of textures - the carrots are super crunchy, making a tasty contrast with anything else you add.

What's cool is that you can spice things up by adding flavors like garlic, ginger, or soy sauce to make the dish just the way you like it. It's like a blank canvas, and you get to be the chef, making it suit your taste buds perfectly.

Explore: Savory and Sweet Carrot Dishes That Will Highlight This Crunchy Veg

14. Chicken Yakisoba

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Yakisoba is a Japanese dish that typically consists of stir-fried wheat noodles, vegetables, and meat, often including chicken. The dish is seasoned with a savory and slightly sweet yakisoba sauce, which gives it its distinctive flavor. The ingredients are stir-fried together in a wok or skillet, creating a delicious meal.

While the term "stir-fry" is commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, similar cooking techniques are used in various Asian cuisines, including Japanese cuisine, as seen in dishes like Yakisoba.

15. Dumpling Stir-Fry

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Store-bought dumplings can be quickly pan-fried and then stir-fried with colorful fresh vegetables. Or you can also make some homemade dumplings that offer a comforting starch and protein component, while the veggies add fiber, vitamins, and bright flavors.

The dumplings become lightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy inside. If you're short on time, opt for frozen dumplings that only require a quick pan fry. For a flavor twist, boil or steam the dumplings before giving them a brief sear. This adds even more softness inside.

16. Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry with Veggies and Cashews

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This veggie and cauliflower rice stir-fry creates a nourishing plant-based meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Substituting traditional rice with cauliflower rice not only introduces vitamins and fiber but also provides a low-carb foundation to absorb the stir-fry sauce.

Elevating the dish with a dose of crunch and healthy fats, toasted cashews blend perfectly with the nutty essence of the cauliflower rice. It's a quick, nutrient-packed, and flavor-rich meal that caters to your health-conscious cravings.

17. Crispy Pan Noodles

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When those snack cravings hit, and the guilt of not choosing a "real meal" sets in, here's a recipe to playfully challenge that judgmental inner compass.

Enjoy the versatility of dried wheat noodles; whether you prefer the wholesome goodness of soba for a nutty, whole-grain experience or opt for the silky texture of white flour noodles, the decision is entirely yours.

18. Pad Thai

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Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish that is both sweet and savory. Rice noodles are stir-fried with eggs, fish sauce, tamarind pulp, garlic, shallots, dried shrimp, chicken or tofu, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts.

The dish comes together quickly in a hot wok and is known for its balance of flavors - the sourness of the lime juice and tamarind, the saltiness of the fish sauce, the sweetness of palm sugar, and the spiciness of chilies. The tender rice noodles soak up the sauce and blend with the crunchy bean sprouts and peanuts.

Pad Thai is often served with lime wedges and can be customized with different proteins like shrimp or beef.

19. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

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Weeknights get an upgrade with this honey garlic chicken stir fry—a swift and nutritious family dinner featuring an array of veggies, coated in a delicious sauce, and ready to savor in just about 25 minutes! Crafted with pantry essentials, you can also effortlessly substitute a frozen stir-fry mix if that's what's available.

20. Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

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Whip up a tasty broccoli and mushroom stir fry—your ticket to a speedy, wholesome, and meatless delight! Picture this: vibrant broccoli sizzling in a hot wok, transforming into a crisp-tender treat with a burst of freshness. Now, meet shiitake or oyster mushrooms, adding a savory chew to the mix.

Let garlic, ginger, and soy sauce waltz in for a flavorful fiesta. Toss it all together until golden perfection but still delightfully crisp. Crown it over white or brown rice, and voila—an effortless, plant-powered dinner magic!

Craving more broccoli brilliance? Check out our collection of Best Broccoli Dishes for recipes that go beyond the basics.