Words by: Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse

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Stir-fries are a quick, easy, and healthy dinner for those busy mid-week meal times. Guaranteed to please all the family, their versatility means there’s a variety of proteins, vegetables, sauces and noodles to choose from. From our turkey stir-fry and beef stir-fry, to vegan and vegetarian options, to summer ready noodle salads, there's something for everyone.

For more quick and easy family dinners, see our 5-ingredient family meal recipes.

How to make a stir-fry

Stir-fry proteins

If you’re going for a meat option, choose lean, tender cuts. If you’re going veggie, opt for extra firm tofu for a nice crispy outside.

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Prawn
  • Pork
  • Tofu
  • Salmon
  • Duck
  • Turkey

Stir-fry vegetables

Use fresh or frozen vegetables to brighten up your stir-fry and add some nutritious flavour. Make sure to chop the veg up into similar-sized chunks to ensure everything cooks at the same speed.

  • Broccoli
  • Bok choy
  • Black bean
  • Green beans
  • Mushrooms
  • Peppers
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Beansprouts

Stir-fry sauces

Add your sauce of choice to bring your protein and veggies together. Make sure to do so when the stir-fry is nearly finished cooking and be fairly conservative with the amount to avoid soggy veg.

  • Teriyaki
  • Hoisin
  • Sweet chili
  • Black bean
  • Fish sauce
  • Peanut

Stir-fry noodles

Noodles act as the backdrop to your stir-fry, letting the flavoursome protein and veg shine through. You probably want to do this step first and have your noodles nearly ready before cooking your protein and veg as the stir-fry itself comes together quickly.

  • Egg noodles
  • Rice noodles
  • Wheat noodles

Alternatively, you can serve your stir-fry with white or brown rice. Learn how to cook rice with our comprehensive video.

Top 10 stir-fry recipes

1. Pork noodle stir-fry recipe

Pork stir-fry

This pork stir-fry, made with lean pork mince and egg noodles, takes just 30 minutes to make and is a great, balanced meal for all the family. Using a pre-mixed stir-fry vegetable pack removes the need to pre-portion your veggies, saving you valuable time and getting your dinner on the table even faster.

2. Ginger, sesame, chilli prawn & broccoli stir-fry

Ginger, sesame and chilli prawn & broccoli stir-fry

This budget friendly, seafood stir-fry is simple to throw together midweek. Low fat, packed full of flavour and ready in 15 minutes – what’s not to love?

3. Sticky noodles with homemade hoisin

Sticky noodles with homemade hoisin

This vegan stir-fry with Chinese five spice, crunchy peanut butter and a homemade hoisin sauce, packs in four of your five a day in only one meal. The recipe is easily adaptable and the soya beans can be switched out with any preferred protein.

4. Soy & chilli chicken with peppers & peanuts

Soy & chilli chicken with peppers & peanuts

Try our takeaway-style soy and chilli chicken stir-fry with rice on the side or noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a perfect Friday night treat.

5. Watercress & chicken stir-fry

Watercress & chicken stir-fry

This stir-fry’s homemade sauce is easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your cupboards. With a mix of tender veg, chicken breast and cashew nuts, this filling dinner is balanced, healthy and easy to make.

6. Beef bulgogi stir-fry

Beef bulgogi stir-fry

This low calorie stir-fry is quicker than ordering a takeaway and better for you. With tender strips of steak, pineapple and chili flakes, this dinner packs a punch.

7. Ginger sweet tofu with pak choi

Ginger sweet tofu with pak choi

This vegan stir-fry is bursting with flavour – just make sure to marinate your tofu properly. Poke a few holes in the tofu to help the marinade to soak in.

8. Kung pao cauliflower & prawn stir-fry

Kung pao cauliflower & prawn stir-fry

Home alone? This single serving stir-fry is ready in only 25 minutes and is easily made vegan by omitting the prawns and doubling up on the veg – the perfect dinner for one.

9. Stir-fried beef with oyster sauce

Stir-fried beef with oyster sauce

A classic Chinese dish, this mix of red peppers and marinated lean beef gives you all the flavour you want with none of the hassle.

10. Thai satay stir-fry recipe

Thai satay stir-fry

With only five minutes of prep time, this peanut packed stir-fry is a simple yet effective way to end the day.

If you enjoyed these recipes, why not try these other easy, family-friendly dinners?

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