Gather ingredients: protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu), vegetables, aromatics (garlic, ginger), sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce or hoisin, rice vinegar or lime, sugar or honey), cooking oil, optional cornstarch slurry
Prep everything: slice protein, cut vegetables into bite-size pieces, mince garlic and ginger, mix sauce in a bowl
Heat a wok or large skillet on high until hot
Add oil and swirl to coat the surface
Stir-fry aromatics (garlic, ginger) for 15–30 seconds
Cook protein until mostly done (remove to a plate if needed)
Add vegetables in order of cook time (hard/slow first, tender/quick last)
Stir-fry until vegetables are crisp-tender
Return protein to the pan
Pour in sauce and toss to coat
If needed, thicken: add cornstarch slurry a little at a time while tossing
Finish with optional sesame oil, chili flakes, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds
Serve immediately over rice or noodles