Unfortunately, we've all experienced it: the bad Deece day. The day when there are truly no edible options, with the exception of pizza, the salad bar, and the stir-fry station. Just because we have a stir-fry station doesn't mean that most people use it–I know people that don't know how to cook at all.
That being said, learning how to stir-fry at the Deece would make eating there a much more enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips everyone should know.
1. Use oil.
Always remember to use either vegetable or olive oil! Pour a fairly small amount (enough to lightly coat the surface of the pan) in your pan before doing anything else. Make sure you turn the heat to medium or medium low so that you don't heat up the oil too much! You can test the heat of your oil by putting a droplet or two of water in–if it sizzles, it's hot enough!
2. Add garlic and/or ginger.
Using the fresh garlic and ginger is a necessary part of adding flavor to your dish. After your oil is hot, add a scoop of the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, making sure you stir it repeatedly (to make sure it doesn't burn!).
3. Add "hearty" vegetables first.
Different vegetables have different cooking times. Onions, for example, take a lot longer to cook than spinach. Because they take so much longer to cook, you're going to want to put them in the pan first to give them more time to soften up. This also applies to vegetables like zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers.
4. Add liquid.
While the vegetables are cooking, you are going to need to add some form of liquid that isn't an oil. I usually turn to the soy sauce.
Teriyaki sauce is also a great option if you want a flavor similar to soy that isn't quite as salty. Rice wine vinegar also adds another layer of flavor, but be sure to not overdo it–you don't want to add so much that your food only tastes like vinegar!
You only need a splash. This also applies to the soy or teriyaki sauces. Use them in moderation so that you don't overpower the flavor of the vegetables.
Watch the heat here as well, if it starts smoking your pan is way too hot. Turn it down to prevent your food from burning.
5. Tofu.
You can find tofu in addition to the other vegetables the Deece puts out for us. Tofu is a meat alternative that is made out of soybeans, and stands up to being stir fried really well! It absorbs the flavors around it, and sears up nicely if you're willing to wait a minute or two. It is high in protein and is a great addition to a dish.
6. Other proteins.
If you're not in a tofu mood, you can always add another protein! The salad bar usually has pieces of cooked chicken, and you can get eggs from the refrigerators right behind the stir fry station. If you decide to go the egg route, it's a lot easier to cook them if you crack them into a cereal bowl first and beat them together. This is much more effective than trying to scramble the eggs once they're already in the pan!
7. Add your other vegetables.
Now is the time to add the rest of your vegetables. As I mentioned before, different vegetables have different cooking times! You're going to want to add the vegetables that take less time to cook last. Some of those would be spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, edamame, and mushrooms.
8. Add noodles/rice.
After your vegetables are nearly done cooking, you're going to want to add some of the noodles the Deece sets out. You might also be able to find rice either at the stir-fry station or elsewhere in the Deece, but unfortunately there isn't always rice available.
That being said, you're definitely going to want to add one of those two items (or both, no one is judging your food habits!). They both add body to your dish. Don't forget to add more liquid after you add the noodles/rice–you definitely wouldn't want them to stick to the pan.
9. Stir!!!
If at any point it seems like your food is sticking to the pan, STIR IT. That is the best way to make sure it doesn't burn! If it keeps sticking, add more liquid (not more oil though!).
It is also necessary to keep an eye on the temperature at all times when you're cooking. If the temperature is too low, it takes forever to cook, and if it is too hot, your food will burn. The right temperature is about medium.
Good luck with all your stir-fry endeavors!