Stir-fry is a fast-paced cooking technique that involves cooking small, uniform pieces of food in a small amount of very hot oil while constantly stirring or tossing them. Originating from traditional Asian cuisine, this method relies on high heat and constant motion to sear the food quickly. Because the cooking time is so brief, the ingredients retain their natural colors, nutrients, and a distinct "crunch" that is unique to this style.
Characteristics:
Vibrant and Fresh: High heat preserves the bright colors and nutritional value of vegetables.
Aromatic "Wok Hei": When done at very high temperatures, it creates a charred, smoky flavor known as "breath of the wok."
Crisp-Tender Texture: Vegetables stay crunchy on the inside while being perfectly seared on the outside.
Suitable foods:
Proteins: Thinly sliced beef, chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu.
Vegetables: Broccoli florets, snap peas, bell peppers, and bean sprouts.
Aromatics: Minced ginger, garlic, and scallions (usually added first to infuse the oil).