A Few Stir Fry Secrets

Yep, it may look pretty easy you know, just heat up a little oil and then throw in some veggies and meat (if desired), toss them around with some spices and a little sauce-of-choice and there you have itstir fry goodness. And for the most part that’s correct it really is that simple. But before you think that’s “all” there is to it we provide a few tips to ensure you get the best possible stir fry possible. You know, the one that scents up a room, nourishes your soul and makes you feel loved all over!Wok is best. You can prepare a pretty decent stir fry using a skillet, but a wok really does provide the best method of cooking assuring that heat is distributed in an even manner without the use of excessive oils. So go ahead and invest in one. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started, but we suggest you do use a wok as you explore stir fry cooking. As far as flat or round bottom if you cook on an electric range you should use a flat bottom wok; and if you have a gas burner you can probably use a round bottomed wok. And if you want to spend the money, by all means invest in an electric wok they are great options.Peanut oil. While a lot of cooks have their own preferences when it comes to cooking oils, for stir fry we generally recommend using peanut oil which tends to be more bland in flavor so it’s less likely to affect the flavors of the dish you are preparing. If you don’t mind the possibility of introducing other flavors into your dish you can use canola, safflower or olive oil, but never use butter or margarine since their makeup doesn’t allow for the high temperatures required for successful stir fry cooking.Moist but not wet. Apart from a desired splash of soy sauce or fruit juice you shouldn’t have to add a lot of liquid to the dish as you are preparing it since it is cooked so quickly (and if you remember that stirring is a key secret to a successful stir fry). If you do find yourself worried that you may need a little more liquid remember to add it slowly since you want to keep the dish crisp and not soggy.Experiment. This is the best part about stir fry. There is a lot of room for experimentation of flavors and textures to let even the most creative of cooks attain a sense of accomplishment. We say “if you can think of ittry it” since you just never know when you’ll find that winning combination!