These 17 stir fry dinners saved my sanity on busy nights
Some nights you just need dinner to work without thinking too hard. That is where stir fry comes in. Everything cooks fast, the flavors are bold, and the payoff is way bigger than the effort. These stir fry recipes turn random fridge ingredients into something that feels exciting, satisfying, and honestly better than takeout.
Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl
If you love the savory flavor of classic egg rolls but want to skip the frying, pork egg roll in a bowl is the perfect solution. This quick, one-pan meal delivers all the umami goodness of an egg roll filling, minus the wrapper. Packed with juicy pork, crunchy cabbage, fresh veggies and aromatic seasonings, it’s a wholesome and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Ready in minutes, this dish brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table with very little effort.
Get the recipe: Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls
Ideal for either lunch or dinner, these Mediterranean chicken orzo bowls are really tasty. They’re made with chicken, salad vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, orzo, hummus, and a tangy lemon and red wine vinegar dressing, along with oregano, garlic, and more. These Greek chicken orzo bowls are loaded with flavor and great for meal prep lunches, too. You will love that they are an easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Expect rich, fresh Mediterranean flavors in every delicious mouthful!
Get the recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls
Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry
Get ready to take your taste buds on a flavor-packed adventure with this five spice chicken stir fry from xoxoBella Juicy, tender chicken thighs soak up a rich marinade of fragrant five spice powder, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce before sizzling to perfection in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce. With hints of honey, garlic, and oyster sauce, every bite is a perfect balance of bold and aromatic flavors. Best of all, it’s quick and easy—on the table in just 30 minutes! Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, sprinkle on some sesame seeds, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the recipe: Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry
When dinner needs to be bold, fast and full of flavor, this spicy gochujang chicken stir fry from xoxoBella totally delivers. Made with tender chicken, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce and fresh veggies, this dish brings Korean-inspired heat and depth to your weeknight table. Everything cooks up in one wok with minimal fuss, and the result is sticky, saucy perfection. Serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce or pair with your favorite sides, it’s a recipe that works for busy nights or casual dinner parties.
Get the recipe: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry
Hunan Chicken
It is easy to make your Chinese food recipes at home! This Hunan chicken recipe is a stir-fried chicken dish with vegetables and a family favorite. The sauce is sticky and rich and this recipe will make you think you’re at a Chinese restaurant. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be made in one pan and takes less than half an hour to create. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you want, and this Americanized Hunan chicken pairs well with all kinds of popular Chinese-style sides to make the kind of dinner you’ll crave every week. Everyone will agree that it’s way better than take-out!
Get the recipe: Hunan Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung pao chicken is the ultimate takeout-inspired dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving bold, savory flavors. This recipe features tender, marinated chicken stir-fried with crunchy peanuts and vibrant veggies, all coated in a sweet and spicy sauce with a hint of Sichuan heat. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with a bowl of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Skip the delivery and enjoy restaurant-quality kung pao chicken made fresh in your own kitchen!
Get the recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Chicken Lo Mein
This chicken lo mein recipe is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is better than takeout and incredibly easy to make. You will love the pops of color from the crunchy vegetables and the delicious savory sauce. The sesame oil gives this recipe its earthy taste, and the garlic and ginger balance the dish. You can use any vegetables you have in your fridge, so it is the perfect quick stir-fry meal on a fridge clean-out day. This is one of the best recipes for chicken lo mein you will ever try, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Get the recipe: Chicken Lo Mein
Spam Fried Rice
Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that makes the most of what you have on hand? This Spam fried rice is the perfect solution! In just under 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious Hawaiian dish featuring crispy, pan-fried Spam, fluffy eggs, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed together with leftover rice. This one-pan wonder is not only easy to make, but it also delivers a savory flavor that your family will devour. Whether you’re a Spam enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Get the recipe: Spam Fried Rice
Kung Pao Beef
If you’re in the mood for mouthwatering Chinese food that you can have on the table in under half an hour, you’ll love this kung pao beef recipe. Kung pao is a spicy, stir-fried Chinese dish with cooked chicken or meat, peanuts, veggies, and chilies, along with Sichuan peppercorns. If you love those kung pao flavors but also want a change from the more traditional kung pao chicken, this beef version of the takeout classic rivals any restaurant version. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried to perfection with crisp bell peppers and onions, then tossed in a savory-sweet sauce that packs just the right amount of heat.
Get the recipe: Kung Pao Beef
Beef Yaki Udon Noodles
If you’re craving bold flavor and perfectly chewy noodles in a dish that comes together fast, this beef yaki udon noodles is a must-try. It’s a Japanese-inspired stir fry packed with tender steak, crisp vegetables, and thick udon noodles all coated in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying one-pan meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. It’s colorful, quick and customizable, making it a go-to dish for those busy nights.
Get the recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodles
Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp
Wok seared steak and shrimp – Panda Express copycat is a bold, flavor-packed stir fry that brings takeout vibes straight to your kitchen. This easy homemade version features juicy sirloin, tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce with a hint of heat. The combination of sweet peppers, onions and snap peas gives it color and crunch, while the buttery chili sauce ties everything together. It’s the perfect quick dinner when you want those big Panda Express flavors without leaving home.
Get the recipe: Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp
Szechuan Beef
If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor and heat, look no further than this incredible Szechuan beef recipe that will make you forget all about takeout! This dish combines tender slices of beef with a medley of colorful vegetables, all coated in a delicious sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and fiery Szechuan flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick stir fry technique, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. This classic Chinese-style dish is one to add to your dinner rotation.
Get the recipe: Szechuan Beef
General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry
Craving a bold, spicy dinner that comes together fast and hits all the right flavor notes? This General Tso shrimp stir fry from xoxoBella is the answer. Crispy fried shrimp are tossed in a fiery, slightly sweet sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and dried chiles for a takeout-style dish that’s better than the real thing. It’s perfect for when you want something saucy, spicy, and just a little indulgent—without leaving your kitchen. Serve it over rice and get ready to impress.
Get the recipe: General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry
Beef Lo Mein
Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and whip up a delicious beef lo mein in the comfort of your own kitchen! This savory stir-fried noodle dish combines tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles, all tossed in a mouth-watering sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s not only budget-friendly but also customizable to your liking. Whether you’re a lo mein aficionado or trying it for the first time, this easy-to-follow beef lo mein bowls recipe will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the recipe: Beef Lo Mein
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
This spicy tuna rice bowl recipe is a flavor explosion that combines tender, protein-packed tuna with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, sauces, and more, all nestled on a comforting bed of leftover rice. But the real star of the show? The irresistible crispy panko topping that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. You can make this tasty no-cook dish in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or simple dinner. This delicious, budget-friendly recipe will become a regular in your meal rotation!
Get the recipe: Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
Instant Pot Chicken Stir Fry
Weeknight shortcuts are the best, especially when dinner needs to happen fast. This Instant Pot Chicken Stir Fry uses frozen vegetables and tender chicken for a quick, no-stress, one-pot meal that’s big on flavor but low on effort. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something wholesome, satisfying, and family-approved without a pile of dishes.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stir Fry
Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Chicken
Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Chicken is a fresh, nutritious dinner that’s perfect when you want something light but still filling. This low carb, gluten free meal comes together in under 30 minutes with tender chicken, spiralized zucchini noodles, onions, and peppers all tossed in a flavorful stir fry sauce. Finished with toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch, it’s an easy weeknight dish that feels wholesome, satisfying, and anything but boring.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Chicken
