What is the correct sequence for adding ingredients to a wok for a stir-fry to ensure everything is perfectly cooked?

Question

What is the correct sequence for adding ingredients to a wok? Learn how to stir-fry to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.

Answer 1

Add ingredients to the wok in order of cooking time, starting with aromatics, then vegetables that take longer to cook, followed by protein, and finally, sauces and delicate vegetables. This ensures everything is cooked properly without being overcooked or undercooked.

Detailed Explanation:

The key to a successful stir-fry lies in adding ingredients in the correct order, based on their cooking time. This prevents some ingredients from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prepare all ingredients: Before you even turn on the heat, chop all your vegetables, proteins, and aromatics into bite-sized pieces. Have your sauces measured and ready to go. This is crucial because stir-frying happens quickly.

2. Heat the wok: Get your wok screaming hot over high heat. A hot wok is essential for achieving that characteristic 'wok hei' or smoky flavor.

3. Add oil: Add a high-smoke-point oil like peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil to the hot wok. Swirl it around to coat the surface.

4. Aromatics: Add aromatics like garlic, ginger, scallions (white parts), and chili peppers first. Stir-fry them briefly (about 15-30 seconds) until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

5. Long-Cooking Vegetables: Add vegetables that take longer to cook, such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and dense root vegetables. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they start to soften.

6. Protein: Add your protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, etc.). Cook until it's almost cooked through. Remember that the protein will continue to cook even after you remove the wok from the heat.

7. Faster-Cooking Vegetables: Add faster-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and leafy greens. Stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.

8. Sauce: Pour in your sauce mixture. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly.

9. Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions (green parts) and sesame seeds.

10. Serve immediately: Serve your stir-fry immediately over rice or noodles.

Pro Tip:

Don't overcrowd the wok! Overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the ingredients instead of stir-frying them. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure proper cooking.