19 Satisfying Stir-Fry Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Stir-fries are one of the best ways to whip up a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal without much fuss. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just want something simple and flavorful, stir-fries are a go-to dinner solution. With a little bit of prep and a hot pan, you can mix fresh vegetables, proteins, and sauces into a satisfying meal that hits the spot every time. From classics like beef and broccoli to more adventurous flavors like spicy Thai basil chicken, there’s a stir-fry recipe out there for every palate. These dishes come together fast, making them perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic combination starts by marinating sliced chicken breast in soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of cornstarch. While the chicken absorbs the flavors, steam fresh broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender. In a hot wok, stir-fry the chicken with a little oil until cooked through, then add broccoli. Toss everything with a mixture of oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Serve it over steamed rice, garnishing with sesame seeds. This is a simple yet flavorful meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Shrimp Stir-Fry with Snap Peas

Sauté shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper in a wok with hot sesame oil until pink. Remove shrimp and toss snap peas, bell peppers, and carrots in the same pan. Add garlic and ginger for an aromatic base, and return the shrimp. Mix soy sauce, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy sauce, then pour over the ingredients. Let it simmer until thickened, and serve with noodles. This light but satisfying dish is perfect for seafood lovers.

Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

Start by slicing sirloin beef thinly and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a dash of chili flakes. Stir-fry the beef quickly on high heat until browned, then remove from the pan. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the pan, sautéing until soft. Combine everything with a sauce of soy sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch slurry. Let it simmer for 3 minutes to thicken, then serve with steamed white rice. This dish offers a robust, meaty flavor.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Press firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes and pan-fry until golden. Remove the tofu and stir-fry a mix of vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. For a sauce, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little brown sugar. Add the tofu back in and toss everything together until the sauce coats well. Serve it with quinoa or brown rice for a healthy, vegetarian meal. This recipe is versatile and packed with nutrients.

Chicken Cashew Stir-Fry

Begin by marinating chicken in soy sauce and ginger for about 10 minutes. Stir-fry the chicken until golden, then add red bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the wok. Once the vegetables soften, add cashews and toss with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of honey. Let it simmer until thickened and serve with jasmine rice. This dish provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Thinly slice pork tenderloin and marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir-fry the pork in hot oil until caramelized, then add shredded cabbage, carrots, and a little garlic. Once the vegetables soften, add a sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens, and serve with rice noodles. This recipe delivers a great balance of savory and tangy flavors.

Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Stir-fry shrimp with minced garlic in hot oil until just cooked through, then remove from the pan. Add chopped asparagus to the wok, cooking until crisp-tender. Return the shrimp to the pan and drizzle with soy sauce, lemon juice, and a little honey for sweetness. Toss everything together until coated and serve with basmati rice. This dish is light and full of fresh flavors with a garlic kick.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry

Start by cutting chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinating in soy sauce and cornstarch. Fry the chicken until crispy, then add pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions. Mix ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a bit of sugar for the sweet and sour sauce. Let it cook down until thickened, and serve with steamed rice. This takeout favorite comes together quickly at home with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

Marinate sliced chicken in fish sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Stir-fry the chicken in hot oil until golden, then add fresh Thai basil leaves, red chilies, and bell peppers. For the sauce, mix fish sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Toss everything together and let the flavors meld for 2 minutes before serving over jasmine rice. This dish packs a spicy punch with aromatic basil.

Vegetable Lo Mein Stir-Fry

Start by cooking lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Stir-fry a medley of vegetables, including carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms, with garlic and ginger. Add the noodles back into the pan and toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. Stir-fry until well combined, then garnish with green onions. This dish is a quick and satisfying vegetarian option that’s great for noodle lovers.

Ginger Beef Stir-Fry

Slice beef tenderloin thinly and marinate in soy sauce, grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil. Stir-fry the beef until browned and then remove from the pan. In the same wok, sauté broccoli, carrots, and snap peas with garlic and more ginger. Add the beef back in and toss with a sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and serve with steamed rice. This dish bursts with the bold flavors of ginger and garlic, perfectly complementing the beef.

Chicken and Mushroom Stir-Fry

Start by marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of rice wine vinegar. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown, then remove it from the pan. Add sliced mushrooms, onions, and bok choy to the wok, stir-frying until softened. Return the chicken to the pan and toss with a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a little chicken broth. Cook until the sauce is thickened, then serve over rice or noodles. This recipe has an earthy richness thanks to the mushrooms, balanced by the tender chicken.

Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry

Slice flank steak into thin strips and marinate in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and garlic for a rich flavor. Stir-fry the beef in a hot wok until browned, then remove from the pan. Add sliced onions and green onions, cooking until soft. Combine with a sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry to create a thick, sweet glaze. Return the beef and toss everything together before serving with rice. This dish offers a deep, savory-sweet flavor that is perfect for meat lovers.

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce, garlic, and a little sesame oil for 10-15 minutes. Stir-fry the chicken until golden, then add a mix of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini. For extra flavor, mix together soy sauce, honey, and a little water to make a teriyaki glaze. Toss the chicken and veggies in the sauce, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve it over jasmine rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds. This easy dish delivers the familiar sweet-savory teriyaki flavor in no time.

Kung Pao Shrimp Stir-Fry

Sauté shrimp in a hot wok with a little oil until they turn pink, then remove from the pan. Stir-fry diced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini with garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes for a spicy kick. Add a sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, and a touch of sugar. Toss the shrimp back in and let the sauce coat everything evenly. Garnish with roasted peanuts for crunch and serve over rice. This dish is a perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry

Slice pork tenderloin thinly and marinate in soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of pineapple juice. Stir-fry the pork until browned and remove it from the pan. In the same wok, stir-fry pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions until they start to caramelize. Add a sauce made of soy sauce, hoisin, and more pineapple juice for a sweet-tangy glaze. Return the pork to the pan, tossing everything together before serving with steamed rice. This dish has a sweet, tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the pork.

Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and marinate in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry the chicken in a hot wok until golden, then remove it from the pan. Add broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas to the pan, stir-frying until tender-crisp. Toss the chicken back into the pan with a sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and honey, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve over rice for a comforting, savory meal. The toasted sesame seeds give the dish a nutty richness that enhances the flavors.

Beef and Snow Pea Stir-Fry

Thinly slice beef and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a little cornstarch. Stir-fry the beef until browned, then remove it from the wok. Stir-fry snow peas with ginger and garlic until they turn bright green and crisp. Toss the beef back into the pan with a simple sauce made of soy sauce and sesame oil. Let everything heat through, then serve over rice or noodles. This dish is light and fresh with a delicious crunch from the snow peas.

Spicy Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry

Marinate chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns for a bold flavor. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown, then add sliced bell peppers, onions, and dried chilies for an extra spicy kick. Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for the sauce. Toss everything together, letting the sauce coat the chicken and veggies. Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the fiery sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors with a bit of heat.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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