25 EASY 20-MINUTE STIR-FRY DINNER IDEAS BETTER THAN TAKEOUT

Looking for quick stir-fry dinner ideas? Here are 25 easy recipes that go from pan to plate in about 20 minutes.

Some nights, you just need dinner on the table fast, and stir-fry is one of the easiest ways to make that happen.

These 20-minute stir-fry dinner ideas are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you’re tempted to order takeout.

Many of them cook in one pan and come together faster than waiting for delivery.

Keep a few of these quick stir-fry recipes in your weekly dinner rotation for easy family meals, last-minute dinners, and nights when you want something fresh, hot, and ready in about 20 minutes.

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EASY 20-MINUTE STIR-FRY DINNERS

1. Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

This is tender chicken and bright green broccoli in a savory garlic soy sauce.

It’s the classic takeout dish, made at home in one pan.

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Stir-fry the chicken in hot oil for 5 to 6 minutes until cooked, then remove.
3. Add the broccoli and garlic with a splash of water and cook 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Return the chicken, pour in the sauce and stir until thick and glossy.

2. Easy Beef And Broccoli

This is thin slices of beef and broccoli in a rich brown sauce.

It tastes just like the takeout version.

Freeze the steak for 20 minutes first so it’s easier to slice thin.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Sauce: 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Toss the beef with the cornstarch. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Sear the beef in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes and remove.
3. Stir-fry the broccoli and garlic for 3 minutes.
4. Add the beef and sauce and cook until thick.

3. Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This is juicy shrimp and colorful vegetables in a garlicky sauce.

Shrimp cook in about three minutes, so this is one of the fastest dinners here.

Take the shrimp out as soon as they turn pink so they stay tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 2 cups snap peas
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced thin
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Cook the shrimp in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and remove.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp and sauce and toss until glossy.

4. Easy Kung Pao Chicken

This is chicken, peppers and roasted peanuts in a sweet, spicy and tangy sauce.

Dried chilies give it a little kick.

Leave out the chilies for a mild version kids will eat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 4 dried red chilies
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Stir-fry the chicken in hot oil for 5 minutes until cooked.
3. Add the chilies, garlic and pepper and cook 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce, add the peanuts and toss until coated.

5. 20 Minute Mongolian Beef

This is crispy beef strips in a sweet, sticky soy and brown sugar glaze with green onions.

It’s a lighter version of the restaurant favorite.

Cook the beef in batches so it gets crispy instead of steaming.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 4 green onions, cut in pieces
• Sauce: 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Toss the beef in the cornstarch. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Fry the beef in hot oil in batches for 2 minutes per side and remove.
3. Cook the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add the sauce and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Add the beef and green onions and toss.

6. Crispy Tofu Broccoli Stir Fry

This is golden crispy tofu and broccoli in a sweet garlic soy sauce.

It’s a great meatless dinner that still feels filling.

Press the tofu well so it crisps up instead of steaming.

Ingredients

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp oil
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 garlic cloves
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Toss the tofu in the cornstarch. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Fry the tofu in hot oil for 8 minutes until golden on all sides and remove.
3. Stir-fry the broccoli and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add the tofu and sauce and toss.

7. Easy Chicken Lo Mein

This is soft noodles tossed with chicken, cabbage, carrots and a savory sauce.

It’s the takeout noodle dish everyone orders.

Spaghetti works if you can’t find lo mein noodles.

Ingredients

• 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
• 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles and drain. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Stir-fry the chicken for 5 minutes until cooked.
3. Add the cabbage and carrot and cook 2 minutes.
4. Add the noodles, green onions and sauce and toss well.

8. Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

This is chicken and mixed vegetables in a sweet, glossy teriyaki sauce.

Kids usually love this one.

Use a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables to save time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Cook the chicken in hot oil for 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry 4 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce and cook until thick.

9. Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

This is tender chicken, crunchy cashews and peppers in a light, savory sauce.

The cashews add a buttery crunch in every bite.

Toast the cashews first for more flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Toast the cashews in a dry pan and set aside. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Stir-fry the chicken for 5 minutes.
3. Add the pepper, snap peas and garlic and cook 3 minutes.
4. Add the sauce and cashews and toss.

10. Pepper Steak Stir Fry

This is strips of steak with green and red peppers and onions in a savory brown sauce.

It’s a classic that goes great over rice.

Slice the steak against the grain so it stays tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced thin
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Sear the steak in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes and remove.
3. Stir-fry the peppers, onion and garlic for 4 minutes.
4. Add the steak and sauce and cook until thick.

11. Thai Basil Chicken

This is ground chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies and lots of fresh basil.

It’s spicy, salty and full of flavor.

Top it with a fried egg for the traditional Thai way.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 red chilies, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Cook the garlic and chilies in hot oil for 30 seconds.
3. Add the chicken and cook 5 minutes, breaking it up.
4. Stir in the sauce and basil until wilted and serve with rice.

12. Honey Sesame Chicken

This is chicken coated in a sweet honey and sesame sauce with toasted sesame seeds.

It’s sticky, sweet and loved by kids.

Serve with steamed broccoli on the side.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions
• Sauce: 1/4 cup honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Fry the chicken in hot oil for 6 to 7 minutes until golden.
3. Pour in the sauce and simmer until sticky.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

13. Better Than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice

This is fried rice with chicken, eggs, peas and carrots.

It’s the best way to use leftover rice.

Cold, day-old rice works much better than fresh rice.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 1/2 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 green onions
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken in 1 tbsp oil until done and remove.
2. Scramble the eggs and remove.
3. Add the rest of the oil, the rice and vegetables and stir-fry 4 minutes.
4. Add the chicken, eggs, soy sauce and green onions and toss.

14. Sweet And Sour Chicken Stir Fry

This is chicken, pineapple and peppers in a bright, tangy sweet and sour sauce.

It’s colorful and fruity without deep frying.

Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 1/3 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Cook the chicken in hot oil for 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Add the peppers and pineapple and cook 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce and cook until thick.

15. Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry

This is chicken in a fresh orange and ginger glaze with broccoli.

It’s a lighter take on the fried version.

Fresh orange zest gives it the brightest flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp oil
• Zest of 1 orange
• Sauce: 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Add the zest.
2. Cook the chicken in hot oil for 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli and a splash of water and cook 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce and simmer until glossy.

16. Thai Peanut Chicken Stir Fry

This is chicken and crunchy vegetables in a creamy peanut sauce.

It’s rich, a little spicy and very filling.

Thin the sauce with warm water if it gets too thick.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 1/4 cup peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp sriracha, 3 tbsp warm water
• Crushed peanuts and cilantro

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Stir-fry the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Add the vegetables and cook 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce, toss and top with peanuts and cilantro.

17. General Tso Chicken Stir Fry

This is crispy chicken pieces in a sweet, tangy and slightly spicy sauce.

It’s a lighter version of the famous takeout dish.

Add broccoli to make it a full meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 garlic cloves
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Fry the chicken in hot oil for 6 to 7 minutes until crispy.
3. Add the broccoli and garlic and cook 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce and toss until coated.

18. Szechuan Beef And Green Beans

This is ground beef and blistered green beans in a spicy, savory Szechuan-style sauce.

The green beans get slightly charred, which adds great flavor.

It’s a budget-friendly dinner that uses ground beef.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Cook the green beans in hot oil for 5 to 6 minutes until blistered, then remove.
3. Brown the beef with the garlic and ginger and drain.
4. Add the beans and sauce and toss for 2 minutes.

19. Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

This is tender beef, onions and peppers in a bold black pepper sauce.

Lots of freshly cracked pepper gives it a warm kick.

It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1.5 tsp coarse black pepper, 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Toss the beef with the cornstarch. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Sear the beef for 2 minutes and remove.
3. Stir-fry the onion and pepper for 3 minutes.
4. Add the beef and sauce and toss until glossy.

20. Rainbow Vegetable Stir Fry

This is a colorful mix of peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas and cabbage in a garlic ginger sauce.

It’s all vegetables, so it’s light and fresh.

Add tofu or chicken if you want more protein.

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 2 carrots
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Slice all the vegetables thin. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Stir-fry the carrots and broccoli for 3 minutes.
3. Add the rest of the vegetables and cook 3 more minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce and toss until coated.

21. Salmon Noodle Stir Fry

This is flaky salmon, noodles and fresh vegetables in a savory soy ginger sauce.

It’s a nice change from chicken and beef.

Cook the salmon first and break it into pieces at the end so it doesn’t fall apart.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 6 oz noodles
• 2 cups bok choy or spinach
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles and drain. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Sear the salmon 3 to 4 minutes per side and flake into pieces.
3. Stir-fry the pepper and bok choy for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the noodles and sauce, then gently fold in the salmon.

22. Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

This is chicken and zucchini in a light garlic and soy sauce.

It’s a great way to use up summer zucchini.

Don’t overcook the zucchini or it gets soft.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp oil
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Add the zucchini, pepper and garlic and cook 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce and toss.

23. Chili Garlic Noodles

These are noodles tossed in a spicy chili garlic sauce with green onions.

They’re ready in about 15 minutes.

Add a fried egg or leftover chicken to make it a full meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz noodles
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chili oil or chili crisp
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 green onions

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles and drain.
2. Warm the chili oil and garlic in a pan for 1 minute.
3. Add the soy sauce, vinegar and sugar.
4. Toss in the noodles and green onions and serve.

24. Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

This is ground beef and shredded cabbage cooked in a savory ginger soy sauce.

It’s cheap, filling and ready in 15 minutes.

A bag of coleslaw mix saves you the chopping.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 green onions
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with the garlic and ginger and drain.
2. Add the coleslaw mix and cook 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the sauce.
4. Top with green onions.

⚠️ Budget Note: This whole dinner costs just a few dollars and feeds four.

25. Lemon Garlic Shrimp And Snow Peas

This is shrimp and crisp snow peas in a bright lemon garlic sauce.

It’s fresh and light, which is nice on busy nights.

Serve over rice or on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 2 cups snow peas
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and butter and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes per side, then remove.
2. Stir-fry the snow peas and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the lemon juice, zest and soy sauce.
4. Return the shrimp and toss.