So what exactly does stir-fry involve? You
can pretty much use any type of cooking pot or pan, but
of course, a Chinese wok is preferred. Read
about why the wok is idea for stir-frying here. You'll
also need some type of spatula - a stainless steel one is
preferred, unless you're using Teflon coated wok or pan.
Then use a wooden or plastic spatula. You can even just
use chopsticks to stir-fry, if you're good at it. :)
You also need a decent amount of oil (canola
oil is best for stir-frying, find out why here.) With
a good stove that can generate lots of heat, you're set
to go. Gas stoves are the best, since you have better and
quicker control over the fire than electric stoves.
How to Stirfry
Before you even start stir-frying, you have
to always keep one thing in mind: speed is the most important
when stir-frying. Why? Simply because stir-frying is designed
for quick cooking. This not only makes your food taste great
(and fresh) it also preserves the color and aroma of the
cooking ingredients.
Forget what you 'think' you know about stir-frying,
you always have to stir-fry on the highest heat possible.
You gotta stir-fry at oil's smoking point! If you love Chinese
food and love to stir-fry, then I recommend you visit Quick
and Easy Chinese Cooking for a complete source on Chinese
cooking - stir-frying included!
So why should you stirfry at oil's smoking
point? For the quickest stir-fry possible. Remember speed
is of the essence. Follow these few simple steps to the
perfect stir-fry every time
-
Prepare your ingredients ahead of time.
That includes washing and chopping them up.
- Add a good amount of oil into the wok - 3 to 5 tablespoons
recommended.
- Turn the heat on highest, and wait until the smoking point.
- Add in any spices you have first such as garlic, ginger,
or chilies.
- Add in your ingredients according to density. Always stir-fry
meat first. If you plan on mix frying dense veggies such
as broccoli or cauliflower, blanche or parboil these veggies
first.
- Add in your seasonings such as salt, sugar, hot sauce,
etc...
- Stir-fry only to the point where the ingredients are just
cooked, and NO longer.
- Dish up and serve while hot.
Follow these 8 simple stir-fry steps, and
I guarantee you can stir-fry like a pro! And
if you're looking for delicious Chinese stir-fry recipes,
click here |
