A staple of Asian cooking, the wok is believed to have originated in China around 2,000 years ago – making it probably the oldest piece of equipment in your kitchen. It’s stayed popular throughout the centuries thanks to its durability and effectiveness. The wok isn’t just one of the most ancient kitchen tools, it’s also one of the easiest. It doesn’t get much simpler than dumping ingredients into a pan and stir-frying. Used properly, your wok can get dinner on the table in minutes. And we’re not talking bland, boring dishes either. Take a look at this list of 20 wok-worthy recipes and you’ll find plenty of tastes and textures. From the fiery spice of dan dan noodles to the sublime sweetness of pineapple fried rice, it’s a feast for all the senses. Time to dust off your wok and get frying!
1. Beef and Broccoli
One of the most popular items on Chinese restaurant menus, beef and broccoli is a classic combination. This version stays true to the original with tender beef and broccoli florets in a sticky, savory sauce flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. It’s healthier than takeout and ready in just 15 minutes. What are you waiting for?!
2. Dan Dan Noodles
Dan dan noodles are a little more involved than most wok recipes, but they’re totally worth the effort. You’ll start with the meat – ground pork, seasoned with hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, and five-spice powder. Then comes the sauce for the noodles – made from sesame paste, chili oil, more five-spice, garlic, and peppercorns. Toss everything together in the wok and you’ve got an insanely flavorful dinner that somehow manages to be sweet, spicy, tangy, and fiery all at once.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry
This nourishing side is simple but very hearty. A heaping of colorful vegetables smothered in a sweet and savory sauce, this is the perfect vegetarian side for an Asian takeout-style meal.
4. Yakisoba Chicken
Yakisoba is a classic Japanese stir-fry, usually made with meat, vegetables, and thick noodles. This traditional yakisoba recipe is all my favorite things – quick, easy, and delicious. Chicken is stirred in a fragrant mix of garlic, onion, sesame oil, and chili paste before being tossed with noodles and vegetables in a tangy sauce.
5. Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
Healthy and satisfying, this delicious stir-fry is a colorful plate of nutritious goodness. It’s made by sauteing plump shrimp with an array of vegetables including bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. Everything is coated in a tangy soy sauce as it cooks, making it smell and taste incredible!
6. Pad Thai
Have vegan friends coming for dinner? Don’t order out, impress them with a tasty bowl of homemade pad thai. This restaurant-worthy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and it’s sure to leave guests licking the bowl with the tasty combination of soft noodles and tangy tofu.
7. Lo Mein
If you struggle to get supper on the table mid-week, check out this timesaving recipe. It’s just 15 minutes from stovetop to table and it’s incredibly filling, so you won’t need to bother with sides or extras. Loaded with vegetables, this is a great vegetarian main, but you can also toss in some chicken or pork for more protein. And don’t forget a dash of sriracha to really give it a kick!
8. Black Pepper Beef Stir- Fry
Smoky, piquant, and just the right amount of spicy, this stir-fry smells as good as it tastes. Thin slices of steak are seared until succulent, then smothered in a tangy sauce made from soy sauce, plenty of pepper, and oyster sauce. The secret’s in the meat for this one, so be sure to choose a good quality cut. You can also use the leftovers from your Sunday roast. Just be sure add your meat at the end so it doesn’t over-cook.
9. Cabbage Stir- Fry
Okay, cabbage isn’t exactly the most exciting vegetable. That’s why it needs a little bit of dressing up and there’s no better way to enjoy the cruciferous veg than sauteed in a sweet and aromatic sauce. Tossed with chicken (or beef) and additional vegetables, this is a great option for low-carb eaters. With so much shredded cabbage in your bowl, you won’t even miss noodles!
10. Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Sweet, sticky, and very irresistible, this fruity rice is the perfect end to long days. It’s a winning combination of juicy pineapple chunks, tender chicken pieces, and fresh bell peppers. A dash of red pepper and garlicky give it a bit of a kick while the ginger-laced sauce adds aromatic sweetness.
11. Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
This traditional dish is also known as fish fragrant eggplant, but something got lost in translation there, as it’s much more appetizing than it sounds. The name really doesn’t do it justice. This is a delicious plate of scorched eggplant, caramelized ginger, garlic, and ground pork. The sauce adds a perfect finish, coating everything in a sweet and spicy glaze.
12. Chow Mein
If chow mein is your takeout go-to, try this homemade version for a healthy, easy alternative. The words ‘chow mein’ are literally translated to ‘fried noodles.’ And that’s a big clue as to this quick supper. It’s a hearty pile of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and your protein of choice. This versatile dish can be adjusted to taste. Throw in some beef if you’re in the mood for meat or add more spice if you need something warming – anything goes!
13. Pineapple Fried Rice
Something special happens when you combine caramelized pineapple with Asian spices. Don’t believe me? Try this unique recipe for dinner tonight and try the fragrant feast for yourself. It’s really easy to throw this delightful dish together. Simply fry some cooked rice with pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, cashews, and cilantro. Drizzle with tamari or soy sauce and a dash of sriracha to finish and serve to your drooling dinner guests.
14. Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry
Vegetarian and vegan, this nutritious stir-fry is a great option for meat-free Mondays or plant-based potlucks. It’s made with tender baby bok choy, mushrooms, sesame seeds, and soy sauce. Everything comes together for a vibrant dish that can be bulked out with noodles for a main meal or served on its own as a simple side.
15. Gai Lan Oyster Sauce Stir-Fry
Gai Lan, also known as Chinese broccoli, is a popular Asian side dish. This recipe is quick and easy, made by lightly frying gan lai (or broccoli), garlic, and chili in a tangy oyster sauce. It’s an impressive accompaniment to meaty mains or vegetarian rice bowls.
16. Yaki Udon Noodles with Shrimp
This yummy one-pot meal will have you sitting down to a steaming plate of fragrant noodles in just 15 minutes. Loaded with vegetables, mushrooms, and your favorite meat (chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef would all work well), it’s a quick and easy supper. It’s also very filling – this stir-fry is made with udon wheat noodles which are much thicker than the traditional egg-based variety.
17. Benihana Fried Rice
Fried rice is a great way to get your kids to try Asian cuisine, especially with this Benihana-inspired recipe! Its irresistibly salty and savory taste will keep the little ones happy while you sneak in some healthy protein and vegetables.
18. Sesame Beef Stir-Fry
Nutty, tangy, and rich, this sesame stir-fry is heaven in a wok. Made with beef, shredded vegetables, and a flavorful broth of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, it’s aromatic and appetizing. Serve with noodles or rice for a filling supper. If you’re low-carb, it can also be enjoyed in a fresh lettuce cup for something a little more lean.
19. Asparagus and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Fresh asparagus and earthy mushrooms are at their best in this gorgeous stir-fry. They’re coated with a sticky sweet and sour sauce, flavored with ginger and garlic, before being lightly fried with thin carrot spears. Light and tempting, this is a great lunch dish or side to something more substantial.
20. Garlic Wok Noodles
A big bowl of soft noodles is the Chinese version of hearty comfort food. And it doesn’t get much more comforting than this piquant recipe which loads those noodles up with spicy vegetables, fresh garlic, and a touch of chili. This one’s perfect if you have a fridge full of veggies as almost anything goes. Cabbage, green beans, carrots – dump them and enjoy! Click on a star to rate it!
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