Ingredients

• 1 to 1 1/2 lb main protein, tofu, seafood, noodles, rice, or vegetables depending on the dish
• 2 tbsp neutral high-heat oil such as avocado, canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or sliced
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 to 2 tbsp light soy sauce, adjusted to taste
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• Salt, white pepper, sugar, vinegar, chilies, or aromatics to match the dish style

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Prep the ingredients

Cut and measure everything before heating the wok. Prepare pork shoulder, pork belly, or pork loin sliced thinly across the grain, day-old rice or freshly cooked rice cooled until dry on the surface. Slice vegetables into similar thickness so they cook evenly. Keep garlic, ginger, scallions, sauces, and any cornstarch slurry in separate small bowls; Chinese cooking moves fast once the pan is hot.

Step 2

Heat the wok and bloom aromatics

Set a wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat for 60 to 90 seconds, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Add the aromatics for Sichuan: Sichuan peppercorn fragrance, chili oil, doubanjiang, garlic, ginger, scallions. Stir for 20 to 40 seconds, just until fragrant. If garlic darkens quickly, lower the heat right away.

Step 3

Cook the main ingredient first

Raise the heat to high. Add the main ingredient in a single layer and let it sear for 45 to 90 seconds before stirring. Cook until the outside changes color and the center is almost done, then move it to the side or remove it briefly if the pan is crowded.

Step 4

Add vegetables and sauce

Add firm vegetables first, tender vegetables last. Stir-fry for 1 to 3 minutes so the vegetables stay bright and crisp-tender. Pour sauce around the hot edge of the wok, then toss until everything is coated and glossy.

Step 5

Finish with heat control

If the pan looks dry, splash in 1 to 2 tablespoons water or stock. If the sauce is thin, simmer 30 to 60 seconds; if too thick, loosen it with a spoonful of water. Finish with chili oil and a tiny splash of vinegar if the dish tastes flat. Serve immediately while the wok aroma is still fresh.