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Stir Fry Supremacy

Why Stir Fry Wins

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Speed + Flavor

Maximum taste development in minimal time

🎨

Visual Drama

Vibrant colors preserved through quick cooking

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Chemistry Perfect

Maillard reaction meets vegetable caramelization

The Science Behind Stir Fry

🔥 Heat Management

The Wok Effect

Curved surface concentrates heat at bottom, creates hot zones for searing while cooler areas allow gentle cooking

Temperature Range

400-500°F (200-260°C) ideal - hot enough for searing, not so hot it burns instantly

Preheating Critical

Wok must be smoking hot before oil - prevents sticking and creates immediate sear

⏱️ Timing Strategy

30s

Aromatics (garlic, ginger) - just until fragrant

1-2m

Hard vegetables (carrots, broccoli) - get started first

30s-1m

Soft vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms) - add later

15s

Greens (spinach, bok choy) - last minute wilting

🔧 Essential Techniques

The Toss

• Use wrist, not arm
• Push-pull motion
• Keep food moving
• Create even cooking

Oil Choice

• High smoke point essential
• Peanut, avocado, grapeseed
• Neutral flavor preferred
• Right amount prevents burning

Cutting Prep

• Uniform thickness key
• Bite-sized pieces
• Separate by cooking time
• Pat dry before cooking

Sauce Timing

• Add at end
• Pre-mix ingredients
• Cornstarch slurry optional
• Coat quickly, serve immediately

🌏 Regional Mastery

Cantonese Style

Delicate flavors, velveted meats, colorful vegetables, light sauces

Szechuan Style

Bold spices, chili oil, numbing peppercorns, complex flavor layers

Thai Style

Balance of sweet/sour/spicy, fresh herbs, fish sauce, lime

❌ Common Mistakes

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Crowding the pan - creates steam instead of sear

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Low heat - turns into sautéing, not stir frying

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Adding sauce too early - prevents proper searing

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Not prepping ingredients - leads to over/under cooking

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Using olive oil - burns at high temperatures

⚡ Ultimate Stir Fry Formula

Memorize this sequence:

1. Heat wok → smoking hot

2. Add oil → swirl to coat

3. Add aromatics → 30 seconds

4. Add protein → cook 80%

5. Remove protein → set aside

6. Add hard veg → 2-3 minutes

7. Add soft veg → 1 minute

8. Return protein → combine

9. Add sauce → 15 seconds

10. Serve immediately