Stir fries really are the ultimate weekday meal.

Theyre fast and low-effort to throw together when you land the basic technique down.

Most important of all, however, is the fact that stir fries are damn delicious.

Bacon Egg Lo Mein easy stir fry recipes

Stephanie Le viaI Am A Food Blog

Are you sold on making stir fries for dinner every night yet?

What makes a stir fry a stir fry?

A stir fry is defined not by whats in the dish so much as how its made.

Everything Bagel Pesto Stir Fry Yaki Udon

(This also makes your bites easier to eat with chopsticks.)

As for those ingredients?

Whats the difference between a stir fry and a saute?

Bacon and Egg Stir Fry Lo Mein

This is a common question.

Sautes and stir-fries have a few key differences when it comes to temperature, cooking fat, and technique.

But again, for stir fries you want acooking oilwith a high smoke point.

Chicken Shirataki Noodle Stir Fry

Another difference is the amount of active cooking involvedhow much you move the food around, basically.

But with stir frying, the food is in constant motion until it is cooked, Le says.

How do you make the best stir fry?

Stir Fry Noodles in cast iron pan

Now that weve covered the basics, youre ready to go pro.

For a stir fry that is cooked most authentically, expertly, and deliciously, the details matter.

Here are the top tips and tricks to remember next time you fire up the wok.

Zucchini Stir Fry in cast iron pan

And it takes just 10 minutes to make.

The noodles of choice are shiratakithin, translucent Japanese noodles made with fiber found in konjac yams.

Zoodles, step aside.

Egg Roll in a Bowl chopstick

Youll find options for making it achicken, pork, beef, or tofu stir dish.

Egg Roll in a BowlfromWell Plated

All the egg roll flavors you love in stir fry form!

Be sure to use extra-firm tofu and press out as much liquid as possible for the crispiest results.

Stir Fry Sesame Noodles with Chickpeas and Basil

Theyre a great alternative to the usualtempehor tofu for makinghigh-protein vegetarian meals.

Swap out the chicken if youd like to turn it into a broccoli and beef stir fry.

A shrimp stir fry is one of the most foolproof and tasty ways to cook them up.

Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

Tofu Stir Fry veggies on plate

Sesame Shallot Soy Curl Stir Fry

Sticky Ginger Sesame Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry

Chicken Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry