9 Easy Stir-Fry Recipes for a Quick Weeknight Meal

Stir it Up

Stir-fry is one of the most reliable recipe constructs to in a pinch. Using any blend of vegetables and meat you have in the refrigerator, along with a blend of pantry staples, you can customize your own version of stir-fry. For quick and easy meals on busy weeknights, there's no better go-to than these stir-fry recipes.

Kung Pau Cashew Chicken — LauriPatterson/istockphoto

1. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

The homemade teriyaki sauce makes this stir-fry recipe explode with flavor. The deep flavor of the ginger allows the bite of the red pepper and onion to stand out, and the balance of flavors here is commendable. To make it even quicker and easier, you could always substitute the homemade sauce for a bottle of already-made teriyaki sauce.

Recipe: Salt & Lavender

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry — LauriPatterson/istockphoto

2. 30-Minute Steak Stir Fry

If a recipe promises us a quick cooktime right in the title, it's basically a hook, line, and sinker for us. Marinating the steak makes a world of difference, and you can let it soak up all the flavor as you prepare your veggies, making the most out of your time in the kitchen.

Recipe: Moms Dish

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Szechuan Beef with Noodles — LauriPatterson/istockphoto

3. Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

Leave the rice behind for this stir-fry and reach for ramen instead. Beef, broccoli, ramen, and sauce. It's simple, and it's all you need for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner.

Recipe: BellyFull

Wok on a stove with stir fry vegetables — chrisbm/istockphoto

4. Cabbage Stir Fry

Cabbage stir-fry is essentially egg roll stuffing in stir-fry form, and we are 100% here for it. Cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger are complemented by a savory sauce and ground chicken. The green onion garnish finishes this one off with a bright bite that infuses the dish with freshness.

Recipe: Well Plated by Erin

5. Vegetable Stir Fry

Steak, chicken, and shrimp might be staples in stir-fry, but going meatless is delicious too. There are so many vegetables to play around with when you're making a vegetable stir-fry: snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, asparagus — and don't forget the water chesnuts for a little extra crunch.

Recipe: Kristine's Kitchen

Stir fry with chicken, red paprika, mushrooms and chives in frying pan. Asian cuisine dish. Gray kitchen table background, top view, copy space — 5PH/istockphoto

6. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

The magic of this stir-fry lies in the sauce. The ketchup anchors the sweet chili sauce while the fresh red chili gives it the perfect kick and the scallions provide a fresh burst to connect the balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Our favorite part about this recipe is that it makes use of ingredients that are affordable and easy to have on-hand.

Recipe: Kitchen Sanctuary

Stir-Fried Shrimp / Prawn and Vegetable in a Wok Directly Above — Ravsky/istockphoto

7. Shrimp Stir Fry

Shrimp, alongside a blend of fresh vegetables, makes for incredible stir-fry. With an easy-to-make homemade sauce, this recipe is a safe bet for busy nights.

Recipe: Kristine's Kitchen

8. Orange Chicken Stir Fry

Orange chicken is a fan-favorite. In stir-fry form, it's difficult to defeat. The chicken thighs this recipe calls for culminate in a juicy, tender texture and the orange zest brings an irresistable brightness to the dish.

Recipe: Stay Snatched

Hawaii Fried Rice — Porter Lansing/istockphoto

9. Broccoli and Spam Stir Fry

If you're looking for an affordable protein to serve as the base of dinner, it doesn't get much cheaper than good ole' Spam. Spam fried rice is a popular dinner dish, and this stir-fry echoes the essence of the fried rice version.

Recipe: Epicurious