Weeknight Stir-Fry with Affordable Protein

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, affordable stir-fry featuring budget cuts of chicken or tofu. This asian-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs cubed chicken breast, florets broccoli, trimmed snap peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wok over high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until browned; set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then stir-fry broccoli and snap peas for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the wok, add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic; stir-fry for 2 minutes until flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Weeknight Stir-Fry with Affordable Protein take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Weeknight Stir-Fry with Affordable Protein?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Weeknight Stir-Fry with Affordable Protein?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Weeknight Stir-Fry with Affordable Protein for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Weeknight Stir-Fry with Affordable Protein?

Asian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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