About Stir Frying
Stir frying is a popular cooking technique. Originally associated with Asian cuisine, this style of cooking is now used by cooks around the world to prepare quick, healthful meals. As long as you have a skillet, a small amount of cooking oil and a variety of meats and vegetables on hand, you're always only a few minutes away from a tasty stir-fry meal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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It's not necessary to purchase a pan specifically designated for stir frying. Stir frying can be performed in an electric or stove-top wok or in any skillet or frying pan with high sides. Regardless of the type of pan used, stir frying is a fast cooking technique. You can prepare complete meat and vegetable meals in just a few minutes using this cooking technique.
Size
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Stir-fry meals can be prepared in all sizes, ranging from single-serving meals to large batches suitable for entertaining. When preparing a stir-fry meal, simply prepare as much or as little as necessary, choosing the right size pan or wok to comfortably cook the portion desired.
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Time Frame
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It's important to realize that different types and sizes of food require different lengths of cooking time. Thinly sliced onions, for example, are fully cooked in approximately two minutes when stir frying, while small broccoli florets may require up to five minutes. Items requiring the longest cooking time should be added to the wok first, with other ingredients being added as appropriate. It's best to cut all items so they are similar in size and to reduce the discrepancy in the amount of cooking time necessary.
Considerations
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It's important to heat the pan to high before stir frying. The pan should be heated before the oil is added. It's also essential to prepare the meats and vegetables ahead of time so they are ready to be added to the pan as soon as it reaches an appropriate temperature and the oil is hot. Typically, the meat is added to the pan first and seared. Once the meat is browned, it can be removed while the vegetables are added and cooked, stirring constantly. As the vegetables near the appropriate consistency, the meat is returned to the pan and all ingredients are stirred together until fully cooked.
Benefits
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Stir frying can be a healthful cooking technique, as only a small amount of cooking oil is needed to prepare delicious entrees. There's no need for flour, sugar or other high calorie additives when stir frying.
Warning
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It's important to keep a close eye on stir-fry recipes while they are cooking. Because this technique involves using a high temperature, foods can burn quickly or become dried out if not properly attended. Recipes must be stirred continually while cooking and should be removed from the pan as soon as meats are fully cooked and vegetables are tender. There are inherent dangers associated with cooking with hot oil, so it's essential to take steps to minimize the risk of burns.
Prevention/Solution
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Because wok cooking involves cooking with hot oil over high heat, it's important to observe proper safety procedures at all times. Stay alert and watch for splatters while stir frying. Use a long-handled spoon while stirring to reduce the risk of burns. Additionally, if you are using a stove-top wok, be sure to turn the handle away from the front of the stove to minimize the possibility of knocking over the pot or spilling the hot ingredients. If you are using an electric wok, ensure that the plug is secure and not placed near any items likely to cause an accident, injury or fire.
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