Judy's Stir-fry

Judy's Stir-fry Recipe - Authentic Chinese Delight

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Judy's Stir-fry is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and protein. The combination of a savory soy sauce-based sauce and a variety of fresh vegetables creates a flavorful and healthy meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

History

Judy's Stir-fry is a classic Asian-inspired dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The recipe has been passed down through the years, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. This version of the stir-fry is a favorite among family and friends, and is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

0.5 cup lite soy sauce (or regular or watered down regular)
2 tbsp mirin (Japanese wine) or any sweet red wine
3 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp corn starch

Veggies

mushrooms
any kind of onion or scallion (green onion) or shallot
napa (Chinese) cabbage
carrots
zucchini
red, yellow, or green bell peppers
yams cut into matchsticks
celery
jícama (leave crunchy, don't overcook)
snow peas
asparagus

Optional

0.5 tsp ginger (or more)
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (or more)

How to prepare

Combine the sauce ingredients in a jar or bowl, mix well, and set aside.
Stir fry 3 cups of any vegetables using a wok or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Ensure that the harder vegetables (such as carrots) are cut smaller or thinner than the softer ones (like mushrooms and cabbage). Stir fry the harder vegetables first, then add the softer ones last, so that all the vegetables are crisp-tender at the same time.
Start with about 0.5 cup of vegetable broth beside the stove and add a tablespoon at a time as needed to keep a little liquid in the wok.
Avoid adding too much broth that the vegetables are sitting in it.
Always keep stirring or moving the vegetables around with a spatula to prevent them from sitting in the liquid. This is why it's called stir-frying! Some recommended vegetables include mushrooms, onions (any kind), scallions (green onions), shallots, Chinese cabbage (napa), carrots, zucchini, bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), yams cut into matchsticks, celery, jicama (do not overcook, leave crunchy), snow peas, and asparagus.
When the vegetables are ready, stir or shake the sauce well to ensure the cornstarch is well-mixed, and pour it over the vegetables in the pan. If using a wok, always introduce new liquids by pouring them down the sides of the pan so that they can pick up heat on the way down and begin steaming immediately.
Continue to keep the vegetables moving around the pan by stirring with a spatula.
The cornstarch will cause the sauce to thicken within a minute or so and give it a sheen as if there is oil in it.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Variations

Add your favorite protein such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
Experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or water chestnuts.
Customize the sauce by adding more ginger or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Cut harder vegetables smaller or thinner than softer ones to ensure even cooking.

- Stir-fry vegetables in a wok or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.

- Keep stirring or moving the vegetables around with a spatula to prevent them from sitting in liquid.

- Introduce new liquids by pouring them down the sides of the pan to pick up heat and steam immediately.

- Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Judy's Stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat in a wok or non-stick frying pan, ensuring they are crisp-tender and not sitting in liquid. Keep the vegetables moving with a spatula to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites, or use regular soy sauce instead of lite soy sauce. You can also use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. Store the sauce in a jar or bowl in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Judy's Stir-fry in a colorful bowl or plate, garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds. Pair with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a visually appealing meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Judy's Stir-fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a glass of chilled white wine or green tea for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and cornstarch. Please check for any other allergens based on the specific ingredients used.

Summary

Judy's Stir-fry is a nutritious and balanced meal that is low in fat and calories, while providing a good source of carbohydrates and protein. It is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the dish.

Summary

Judy's Stir-fry is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare and customize to your liking. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy this stir-fry with your family and friends for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Judy's Stir-fry. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling city of Hong Kong, and I was wandering through a local market, marveling at the vibrant colors and exotic ingredients on display. As I strolled past a small food stall, my senses were suddenly overwhelmed by the enticing aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger.

Intrigued, I stopped to watch the elderly woman behind the counter expertly tossing vegetables and strips of marinated chicken in a large wok. Her hands moved with such grace and precision that I was mesmerized by the dance of flavors and textures unfolding before my eyes. I knew then and there that I had to learn the secret to creating such a delicious dish.

Approaching the woman, I introduced myself and asked if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She smiled warmly and agreed, explaining that the dish was a family recipe passed down through generations. Her name was Judy, and she was a master of stir-fry cooking.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I spent countless hours by Judy's side, eagerly absorbing every tip and technique she imparted. I learned the importance of a hot wok and quick cooking times, how to balance flavors with the perfect combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and the art of achieving the ideal texture through careful attention to timing.

But it wasn't just the technical aspects of cooking that Judy taught me. She also shared stories of her childhood in rural China, where she first learned to cook from her own grandmother. She spoke of the simple joys of gathering fresh herbs and vegetables from the family garden, of the laughter and chatter that filled the kitchen as they worked side by side.

As I listened, I realized that cooking was so much more than just following a recipe - it was a way to connect with our past, to honor our heritage, and to create lasting memories with those we love.

Finally, the day came when Judy deemed me ready to try my hand at making her famous stir-fry on my own. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped and sliced, stirred and tossed, I could almost hear Judy's voice guiding me through each step.

And when I finally sat down to taste the fruits of my labor, I was overwhelmed with emotion. The flavors were a perfect symphony of savory, sweet, and umami, the textures a harmonious blend of crisp and tender. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

From that day on, Judy's Stir-fry became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their reactions as they savored each mouthful. And as I cooked, I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Judy for opening my eyes to the beauty and joy of home cooking.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you too will find as much pleasure and fulfillment in creating this dish as I have. Remember that cooking is not just a skill to be learned, but a gift to be shared with those you hold dear. And may the spirit of Judy's Stir-fry always bring a touch of magic to your kitchen and your heart.