Ingredients
Scale
For the Stir Fry:
- Protein (Choose one or a combination):
- 1 pound Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a lean and popular choice. Cut it into bite-sized pieces or thin strips for quick and even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, just ensure they are boneless and skinless.
- 1 pound Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp, any size will work, but larger shrimp are visually impressive. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- 1 pound Pork Tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender option. Slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness in the stir-fry. Pork shoulder (Boston butt) can be used as well, but will require longer cooking and should be cut into smaller cubes.
- 1 pound Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: Sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain, works beautifully in a stir-fry. Flank steak is particularly flavorful.
- 1 block (14-16 ounces) Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, tofu is excellent. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it. You can also pan-fry or bake the tofu separately for extra crispiness before adding it to the stir-fry.
- Vegetables (Aim for about 6-8 cups total, mix and match):
- 1 large Onion: Yellow or white onion, sliced or chopped. Adds a foundational savory flavor.
- 2–3 Carrots: Julienned or thinly sliced. Adds sweetness and color.
- 2–3 Celery Stalks: Thinly sliced. Provides a subtle crunch and freshness.
- 1 head of Cabbage (Green or Napa): Shredded or thinly sliced. Cabbage is a classic egg roll ingredient and adds bulk and texture. Napa cabbage is milder and more tender than green cabbage.
- 1 Bell Pepper (Any color): Sliced into strips. Bell peppers add sweetness and vibrant color. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter than green peppers.
- 1 cup Snow Peas or Snap Peas: Adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Trim the ends of snow peas and snap peas before using.
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets: Adds texture and nutritional value. Cut into small, bite-sized florets for even cooking.
- 1 cup Mushrooms (Sliced): Button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms all work well. Earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- 1 can (14 ounces) Bamboo Shoots: Drained and sliced or julienned. Adds a crisp, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 can (8 ounces) Water Chestnuts: Drained and sliced. Provides a unique crunch and mild sweetness.
- Fresh Ginger (About 1-2 tablespoons, minced): Essential for that classic Asian flavor. Use fresh ginger for the best taste; dried ginger is not a suitable substitute.
- Garlic (About 2-3 cloves, minced): Another key flavor component. Fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
- Green Onions (For garnish, optional): Sliced thinly. Adds a fresh, mild oniony flavor and visual appeal.
- Egg Roll Wrappers:
- 1 package (12-16 ounces) Egg Roll Wrappers: Look for these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, usually near the produce or tofu. You’ll need about 10–12 wrappers.
- Cooking Oil:
- 3–4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: Neutral oils with a high smoke point are best for stir-frying. Peanut oil is also a good choice if you like the flavor and are not allergic. Sesame oil is used in the sauce, not for high-heat cooking.
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low Sodium preferred): Provides the salty, savory base of the sauce. Low sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness better. Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos can be used as alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce (Optional, but highly recommended): Adds depth and umami richness to the sauce. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use a bit more soy sauce or a dash of fish sauce (use sparingly as it’s strong). For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for the most pronounced flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the savory and sweet notes. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy coating for the stir-fry. Arrowroot powder can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar or Honey (Optional): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Adjust to your taste preference. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar.
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Helps to create the sauce and add moisture to the stir-fry. Water can be used as a substitute, but broth adds more flavor.
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust to your spice preference or omit entirely if you prefer a mild stir-fry.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers
- Stack the Egg Roll Wrappers: Take your package of egg roll wrappers and stack them neatly on a cutting board.
- Slice into Strips: Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, slice the stack of wrappers into thin strips, about ¼ to ½ inch wide. You can make them longer or shorter depending on your preference. Think of the width of fettuccine noodles as a good guideline.
- Separate the Strips: Gently separate the strips of egg roll wrappers to prevent them from sticking together during cooking. You can toss them lightly with a little cornstarch or flour if they seem particularly sticky, but this is usually not necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar or honey (if using), and chicken or vegetable broth.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk the sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Protein
- Heat Oil in a Wok or Large Skillet: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high to high heat. The pan should be hot before you add the protein – you should see the oil shimmering.
- Cook the Protein: Add your chosen protein (chicken, shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu) to the hot pan in a single layer, if possible. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the protein instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the protein in batches.
- Chicken, Pork, Beef: Cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Shrimp: Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Tofu: Cook until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 4-6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside. For extra crispy tofu, consider pressing it for longer and pan-frying or baking it separately before adding to the stir-fry.
- Set Protein Aside: Once cooked, remove the protein from the wok or skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- Add More Oil if Needed: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok or skillet if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced ginger and garlic to the hot pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Heartier Vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften slightly.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the cabbage, bell pepper, broccoli, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts (and any other vegetables you are using) to the pan. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked but still have a bit of bite.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the vegetables, as you want them to retain their texture and some of their crunch.
Step 5: Add Egg Roll Wrapper Strips and Sauce
- Add Egg Roll Wrapper Strips: Add the sliced egg roll wrapper strips to the wok or skillet with the vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the wrappers are softened and slightly chewy. They will absorb some of the moisture from the vegetables and become pleasantly tender.
- Pour in Sauce: Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the vegetables and egg roll wrapper strips.
- Stir to Coat: Stir everything together well to ensure the vegetables and wrappers are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and become glossy. The cornstarch in the sauce will help it thicken quickly.
Step 6: Combine Protein and Serve
- Return Protein to Pan: Return the cooked protein to the wok or skillet.
- Toss to Combine: Toss everything together to combine the protein with the vegetables, egg roll wrappers, and sauce. Heat through for another minute or two.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400-550
- Fat: 15-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
- Protein: 30-40 grams