20 Of The Best Recipes With A Wok

A staple in many kitchens, the wok deserves attention. Before diving into its vast culinary potential, give it a good cleaning and get ready to cook up a storm. With its spacious interior, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to whip up a batch of leftovers for the week or treat your family to a delicious meal, the wok is an excellent choice.

Chicken Lo Mein

For those who prefer their stir-fries with a lighter noodle texture, cooking angel-hair noodles for this Chicken Lo Mein is an excellent option (also see 36 Insanely Good Ninja Foodi Chicken Recipes). Begin by combining soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl, setting it aside for later. Next, cook the chicken until it reaches a browned and no longer pink state, then remove it from the pan to focus on browning the broccoli and carrots.

Once they’re crisp-tender, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, stirring constantly as you bring it to a boil to thicken the sauce. Finally, reintroduce the cooked chicken and noodles into the pan, allowing them to meld together harmoniously.

Easy Fried Rice

Savoring Easy Fried Rice as a satisfying standalone dish or complementing your favorite meal is a treat. Start by scrambling two eggs in the wok and set them aside for now. Next, stir-fry rice with an assortment of chopped vegetables, including onions and garlic, until they’re perfectly cooked. Then, add diced chicken to the mix and cook until heated through. Add a flavorful blend of soy sauce, chicken broth, ginger, and pepper, stirring well to combine.

To complete this mouthwatering dish, return the eggs to the wok and toss in some crumbled bacon for added crunch. The result is an aromatic and savory Easy Fried Rice experience.

Easy Pad Thai

While Pad Thai is a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures, it’s also incredibly versatile. To create your own unique take on this Thai classic, start by cooking a batch of rice noodles according to package instructions. Meanwhile, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, and fish sauce – the foundation of Pad Thai’s signature flavor profile. Next, cook your chosen protein (chicken, pork, or seafood work well) until it’s fully cooked, then set it aside.

Add some colorful additions like matchstick carrots and bell peppers to the wok, followed by minced garlic, green onions, and bean sprouts. The aroma of these sautéed ingredients will get your taste buds excited! Now it’s time to add a creamy element: crack in some eggs and scramble them up, then fold in the rest of the ingredients.

Let everything cook together until it’s just right, then serve your Pad Thai with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, a handful of fresh cilantro, and a pinch of chili flakes for added depth and heat.

Steak Stir-Fry

Transforming a mundane midweek into a culinary delight is just a stir-fry away! Simply marinate steak strips in a mixture of ginger, garlic, and pepper, then sear them until nicely browned and set aside. Next, sauté carrots, green onions, and bell peppers until tender. In the same pan, combine the cooked vegetables with cornstarch, soy sauce, water, and beef bouillon.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then return the steak strips to the wok and let it all meld together, ensuring the flavors are thoroughly distributed. And just like that, you’ll have a delectable Steak Stir-Fry ready in no time!

Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

Experience the fusion of Asian flavors with this delectable Sesame Chicken recipe. Begin by combining cubed chicken thighs with a mixture of whisked egg, cornstarch, and a hint of soy sauce. Then, cook until browned to perfection. Next, create a savory sauce by blending honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, cornstarch, toasted sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and the warmth of ginger. Pour this rich mixture over the chicken and allow it to thicken.

Finally, add crunchy snow peas and serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Hamburger Stir-Fry

When you’re done with your burger patties, don’t toss them just yet – they can be repurposed as a tasty addition to a stir-fry dish. Start by cooking the beef until it’s fully cooked, then break it down into small pieces and set it aside for later. Next, heat up some oil in a wok or large skillet and sauté your favorite vegetable stir-fry mix along with sliced onions until they’re both tender but still crisp.

In a separate bowl, whisk together a mixture of cornstarch, sugar, mustard, water, and teriyaki sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, then add the cooked beef and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Now you’ve got a unique and flavorful stir-fry dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a creative twist on traditional takeout.

Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry

Experience the harmonious union of pineapple and pork in this mouth-watering recipe. To start, whisk together cornstarch, water, garlic powder, and a tablespoon of pineapple juice to create a marinade for the pork. Coat the pork thoroughly with the mixture and set it aside. In another bowl, combine soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and the remaining pineapple juice. This sweet and savory glaze will add depth to your dish. Heat a pan and cook the pork until it’s fully cooked through.

Remove it from the pan and let it rest while you prepare the accompanying vegetables – carrots, broccoli, and onion. Add these veggies to the pan and sauté them until they’re tender. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Re-add the cooked pork to the pan and pour in the remaining pineapple cornstarch mixture. Bring the sauce to a boil, allowing it to thicken slightly. Finally, warm the pork and pineapple through, serving it with a side of rice for a satisfying meal.

Ginger Pork Stir-Fry

Pork and ginger is a match made in heaven, and this recipe will have you convinced. To start, whisk together cornstarch, orange juice, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, setting it aside for now. Then, brown the pork in the same wok until it’s cooked to your liking, draining any excess fat. Next, add some sliced onion, snow peas, and bell peppers to the wok and cook them until they’re tender but still crisp.

Once they’re done, stir in the orange sauce you prepared earlier, allowing it to thicken as it reaches a boil. Finally, warm the pork through by returning it to the wok with the sauce and serve it all over a bed of fluffy rice.

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

A delectable stir-fry that’s bursting with flavor, this dish is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. To begin, season the chicken with garlic salt as it cooks until nicely browned. Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, cornstarch, and grated ginger to create a rich and tangy glaze. Pour this mixture over the chicken while it’s at a boil, then add juicy orange segments and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for added depth.

Serve this mouthwatering stir-fry over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Quick Pepper Steak Stir-Fry

A flavorful Pepper Steak Stir-Fry can be easily whipped up using just a few ingredients. Begin by cooking the bell peppers until they’re tender, then set them aside while you brown the seasoned steak slices. Add some aromatic garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak, then return the peppers to the wok and stir-fry everything together.

Next, whisk together a mixture of sugar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch, then pour it into the pan and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Mongolian Beef

Indulge in the flavors of Mongolia without leaving your kitchen! Start by marinating flank steak strips in a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese wine, cornstarch, and baking soda. While that’s working its magic, prepare the savory sauce by combining soy sauce, chicken broth, Chinese wine, and brown sugar. Add this to the wok along with sautéed onions and white parts of green onions, then stir in garlic, ginger, and red chili strips for an added depth of flavor.

Once the sauce is heated through, whisk in a cornstarch paste to thicken it, followed by the addition of the marinated steak and green onion tops. The result is a rich, beefy dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Beef And Broccoli

To craft a nutritious and satisfying meal, pair fresh broccoli with beef in a harmonious union. Begin by concocting the savory sauce by blending ginger, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, sesame oil, and hot water. Next, cook the broccoli florets until tender, then set them aside while you add sliced steak to the pan. Allow the beef to cook through before adding the prepared sauce.

Simmer the mixture until it reaches a thickened consistency, then reintroduce the broccoli back into the wok for a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

Thai Style Brisket

Transforming a classic dish into an innovative fusion meal is a culinary feat that can be achieved by cooking a tender and flavorful brisket in a wok. The key to this process lies in the slow cooker, which allows for the meat to cook slowly with a blend of Asian-inspired ingredients such as peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, pepper flakes, and pepper.

Once the brisket is tender, the cooking liquid can be thickened by combining cornstarch with water and adding it to the juices. The wok then becomes the perfect vessel for frying a medley of colorful vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions. As the vegetables sizzle in the pan, the juices from the slow cooker are added, infusing the dish with an irresistible aroma and flavor. Finally, slice the brisket and serve it atop fluffy rice, accompanied by the harmoniously cooked vegetables.

Beijing Beef

If you’re familiar with Panda Express’s Beijing Beef, you might be craving a taste of that dish in your own kitchen. Luckily, this copycat recipe allows you to recreate the flavors at home. To start, combine sliced steak with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Meanwhile, mix oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and sambal oelek together in a separate bowl.

Next, coat the steak strips in cornstarch and fry them until they’re nicely browned, then remove them from the pan while you cook the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. After that, pour the sauce into the pan, let it simmer for a bit, and finally return the steak strips to warm through with the flavorful sauce.

Thai Basil Chicken

As you navigate the bold flavors of this Asian-inspired dish, be prepared for a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds tingling. The foundation of the recipe is built upon the pungency of crushed red bird chilies and the piquancy of garlic, blended together to form a paste that’s then used as the base for cooking ground chicken until it reaches tender perfection.

To elevate the dish further, add a touch of sweetness with sugar, savory depth with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. The finishing touches come in the form of fragrant basil, expertly folded into the mixture before removing from heat.

The final flourish is reserved for the eggs, cracked gently into the wok amidst a generous drizzle of oil. As they sizzle and crisp to perfection, the anticipation builds for the first bite.

And when you take that momentous mouthful, be prepared to surrender to the delightful harmony of flavors.

Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

When it comes to cooking up a Hawaiian-inspired dish like Pineapple Fried Rice, don’t be afraid to think outside the box – or in this case, the wok. Start by heating some oil and sautéing a medley of chopped vegetables, including onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Add aromatics like minced ginger and garlic, followed by diced ham and cooked peas for added texture and flavor. Once the mixture is fully incorporated, whisked eggs are stirred in to help bind everything together.

Next, introduce cooked rice into the wok, along with a trifecta of savory flavors – oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Finally, add in some diced pineapple for a pop of sweetness, then remove the dish from the heat and let it rest before serving. A sprinkle of remaining green onion tops adds a nice finishing touch to this tropical-inspired treat.

Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry

This Szechuan stir-fry recipe is a flavor powerhouse that can be tailored to your taste by using chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu as the protein of choice. To start, cook your preferred protein until it’s browned and set it aside. Next, heat some oil in a wok or large skillet and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until they’re slightly caramelized.

Add minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for another minute before whisking together the sauce ingredients – soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese five spice, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and grated ginger. Once the sauce is smooth, add it to the cooked protein and vegetables, stirring until it reaches your desired level of thickness. Serve the Szechuan stir-fry immediately over noodles or a bed of fluffy rice.

Beef Chow Fun

Transforming ordinary ingredients into a beloved family dish is just what this beef and noodle recipe does best. Start by cooking wide rice noodles, then set them aside in an ice bath to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together a savory blend of garlic, dark and regular soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, Sriracha, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Pour half of this mixture over flank steak strips and refrigerate the rest for now.

Next, use a slotted spoon to drain off the excess marinade and brown the beef in a wok. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and cook sliced onions until they’re tender. Add bean sprouts to the mix, along with the remaining chilled marinade. Now it’s time to reintroduce the beef to the wok, followed by the cooked noodles. Stir everything together and finish off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

The harmonious marriage of sweet and savory flavors is a key element in this delectable Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. To create the sauce, combine orange zest, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar with a splash of water. Next, form a paste by mixing a tablespoon of the mixture with cornstarch and stir it back into the liquid. Then, prepare the shrimp by patting them dry and seasoning to taste. Fry the shrimp in batches until cooked through, then set aside.

In the same wok, sauté ginger, garlic, scallion whites, and red pepper flakes before adding the orange-soy mixture. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened, then return the shrimp to the wok along with some chopped scallion greens and toss everything together for a flavorful and visually appealing dish.

General Tso’s Chicken

When craving a mouthwatering chicken dish, General Tso’s Chicken is an excellent choice. To start, combine eggs and flour in a mixture that will evenly coat the chicken pieces before deep-frying until they’re golden brown. Next, cook some garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, then whisk together chicken broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch to create the base of the sauce. Bring it to a simmer and once it thickens, add the cooked chicken, allowing it to fully coat.

Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and flavor.

Bonus: Takeout-Style

Ditch those takeout menus if you have a wok at home! It’s not only more budget-friendly but also a thrill to recreate your favorite takeout dishes. The versatility of a wok makes it perfect for whipping up Kung Pao Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, or even Thai Cashew Chicken with ease. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian-inspired flavors or just want to spice things up, your wok has got you covered.

Kung Pao Chicken

Making Kung Pao Chicken at home is surprisingly easy and only requires a few simple steps. Start by preparing your marinade by combining cubed chicken thighs with oil, sherry, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Let it sit for a bit while you prepare the sauce by whisking together chicken broth, soy sauce, cooking sherry, white vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Next, brown the marinated chicken in a wok or large skillet, then set it aside.

Heat some more oil in the same pan and sauté the aromatics – ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and chilies – until they’re fragrant. Add the prepared sauce to the pan and bring it to a boil before returning the chicken to the wok with peanuts, sesame oil, and green onions. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes to combine the flavors and you’ll have a delicious homemade Kung Pao Chicken that rivals any takeout version.

Sweet And Sour Pork

To create an at-home version of Sweet And Sour Pork that rivals take-out, start by firing up your wok. Begin by crafting the sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and tomato paste in a single bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Next, season the pork cubes and create two distinct coatings: an egg-based mixture and a flour-based one. Dip each cube into the respective coating, then fry them until they reach a golden brown hue.

Final Thoughts

With a wok at your disposal, the possibilities are endless! Not only can you whip up a quick stir-fry using any leftover meat or veggies, but you can also get creative with the ingredients you already have on hand. If inspiration strikes, take a cue from your favorite takeout spot and try to recreate a dish that’s sure to become a new household staple.