Stir-Fry American Style
A quick and flavorful American-style stir-fry featuring tender beef or chicken with vegetables and savory sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. beef chuck, round steak or chicken breast, cut into 1/8-inch slices
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. carrots, sliced diagonally ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cauliflower, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas ⓘ
- 4 to 6 green onions ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- reserve liquid from mushroom can
- 1/2 c. cold water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine beef or chicken with soy sauce, sherry, and ground ginger.
- Let stand for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Preheat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok, uncovered, over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes.
- Add carrots; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add reserved mushroom liquid; cover and steam the vegetables for 4 minutes.
- Remove carrots from the wok and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the meat overnight. If you don't have sherry, dry white wine or rice vinegar can be a substitute. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or seitan instead of meat. You can also add bell peppers or broccoli for more color and nutrition. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste if you're watching salt intake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of egg rolls or a light salad. For an extra kick, drizzle with sriracha or serve with soy sauce on the side. This recipe is a great way to explore American recipes that incorporate diverse flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving as it can make the meat tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fry American Style contains roughly 964 calories, with 18g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), and potassium (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 733mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. They are pre-cut and generally require less cooking time. Just be sure to add them to the wok after the meat is cooked to ensure they don't overcook and become mushy.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the sauce may not be as clear or glossy. Arrowroot powder is another option that works similarly to thicken sauces.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes during cooking. You could also serve the stir-fry with chili sauce on the side for those who prefer to control the spice level individually.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).