Stir Fry Variations

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From the Food Network magazine, this guide lets you design your favorite stir-fry by picking a protein, a marinade, a combination of vegetables and a choice of 5 different sauces.

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  • 4

Ingredients

  • Protein choices can include:
  • 3/4 lb. thinly sliced flank steak
  • 3/4 lb. thinly sliced pork tenderloin
  • 3/4 lb. medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3/4 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 12 oz. pkg. extra-firm silken tofu, cubed.
  • If a marinade is desired, whisk:
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch.
  • Toss with your protein and refrigerate 1 hour.
  • Veggie choices can include 3 c. of any of the following in any combination:
  • sliced carrots, celery, bell peppers (any color), onions or shallots, leeks, bok choy or cabbage, asparagus; 1" scallion pieces, quartered mushroom caps, whole snow peas, quartered plum tomatoes.
  • Below are 5 different sauces that can be used.
  • Clear Sauce:
  • Mix 3/4 c. chicken broth, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 2 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1/2 tsp. sesame oil, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. sugar.
  • Sweet-and-Sour Sauce:
  • Mix 3/4 c. chicken broth, 2 tsp. cornstarch, 1/4 c. ketchup, 2 tsp. soy sauce, 3 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 1/4 c. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. sesame oil.
  • Brown Sauce:
  • Mix 1/2 c. chicken broth, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1 %bsp. soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce and 1 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry.
  • Oyster Sauce:
  • Mix 3/4 c. chicken broth, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1 Tbsp. soy sauce, 3 Tbsp. oyster sauce and 2 tsp. sesame oil.
  • Spicy Sauce:
  • Mix 3/4 c. chicken broth, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 2 Tbsp. each soy sauce, rice vinegar and Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1/2 tsp. sesame oil, 1 Tbsp. sugar and 2 tsp. Asian chili sauce.

Preparation

Step 1

Drain the marinade from the protein and gather all the elements by the stove.

Heat 1/4 inch peanut or vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the protein; slowly stir until almost opaque, 30 seconds to 1 minute (for tofu, brown on both sides, do not stir). Transfer to a plate; discard the oil and wipe out the pan.

Heat the pan over high heat 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 Tbsp. oil, then 2 cloves minced garlic (or 4 cloves if using Spicy Sauce), 1-2 Tbsp. minced ginger, 2 minced scallions and a pinch each of salt and sugar; stir fry about 30 seconds. Add the vegetables, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook; stir fry until crisp-tender.

Add the protein and sauce and stir until the sauce is thick and the vegetables and protein are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Thin with chicken broth if needed.

Garnish with sliced scallions, peanuts, sesame seeds, sliced jalapenos and/or cilantro. Serve with rice.

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