stir-fry

American  

[stur-frahy] / ˈstɜrˌfraɪ /

verb (used with object)

stir-fried, stir-frying

1. to cook (food) quickly by cutting into small pieces and stirring constantly in a lightly oiled wok or frying pan over high heat: a common method of Chinese cooking.

   Stir-fry the shrimp until it is cooked, then add the rice and egg mixture.

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noun

1. a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., that have been cooked over a high heat in a lightly oiled wok or frying pan.

   A stir-fry with chicken and vegetables is an easy weeknight meal.

adjective

1. cooked in a lightly oiled wok or frying pan over high heat; stir-fried.

   This spice blend is made to taste great on all kinds of stir-fry dishes.

stir-fry British  

/ ˈstɜːˈfraɪ /

verb

1. to cook (small pieces of meat, vegetables, etc) rapidly by stirring them in a wok or frying pan over a high heat: used esp for Chinese food

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noun

1. a dish cooked in this way

Etymology

Origin of stir-fry

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Tossed into a quick stir-fry with whatever protein you’ve got.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Notably, the outdoor kitchen, located on the other side of the indoor kitchen, is a feature the couple uses daily for their stir-fry recipes.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods freezer sections offered plenty of solid options — from stir-fry kits to frozen pizzas — that felt quicker and cheaper than delivery.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2024

As a foodie and avid stir-fry consumer, I love everything involved in wok cooking — the artistry, the bursts of orange under the deep, round-bottomed pan, the incomparable taste.

From Salon • May 15, 2024

The food is chicken stir-fry and rice, and it’s good.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead