Takeaway-Style Wandering Dragon Stir Fry 

Wandering Dragon Stir Fry is a bold, sizzling stir fry dish inspired by classic Chinese takeout—packed with tender strips of chicken and beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a rich, spicy-sweet sauce. It’s the kind of meal that hits every craving: smoky, spicy, garlicky, and slightly sweet, all tossed together in one sizzling wok or skillet. This restaurant-style recipe is quick enough for weeknights and so much better than takeout!

For more homemade takeout favorites, try this flavorful Chinese Chicken Fried Rice or the deeply savory Mexican Birria.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Meat:

• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
  
• 1/2 lb flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
  
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
  
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  
• 1 cup snow peas or green beans
  
• 1/2 cup carrots (julienned)
  
• 3 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
  
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
  

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)
  
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to thicken)
  

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
  
• Total Time: 30 minutes
  
• Serves: 4
  

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large wok or skillet
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• Tongs or spatula
  
• Knife and cutting board
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  

How to Make Wandering Dragon Stir Fry: Step-by-Step

1. Marinate the Meats

In a small bowl, combine chicken and beef slices with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while prepping vegetables and sauce.

2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili paste, and chicken broth in a bowl. Set aside.

3. Sear the Meat

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the marinated meats in a single layer. Stir-fry quickly for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.

4. Stir Fry the Veggies

Add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Then add broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

5. Combine and Finish

Return the cooked meat to the wok. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and everything is heated through.

6. Serve Hot

Garnish with green onions and serve over steamed rice, noodles, or fried rice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
  
• Protein: 30g
  
• Fat: 16g
  
• Carbohydrates: 28g
  
• Fiber: 3g
  
• Sugar: 10g
  
• Sodium: 950mg
  
• Cholesterol: 70mg
  

Tips and Variations

• Protein Swaps: Try shrimp, pork, or tofu for a twist.
  
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini for more variety.
  
• Less Heat: Reduce or omit the chili paste for a milder dish.
  
• Extra Smoky Flavor: Stir-fry over very high heat for wok hei (that “smoky” restaurant flavor).
  
• Make It Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of regular rice.
  

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat:

Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wandering Dragon Stir Fry is the perfect homemade version of your favorite takeaway dish—rich, spicy, savory, and loaded with fresh veggies and juicy meat. It comes together quickly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and works great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is packed with protein and veggies. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice, sweetness, or meat to suit your tastes.

Final Thoughts

This stir fry is my go-to when I’m craving a bold, sizzling dinner that rivals anything from a restaurant. The combination of tender chicken and beef with crunchy vegetables and that glossy, umami-rich sauce is just unbeatable.

Make a double batch—you’ll want the leftovers for lunch the next day. Trust me, this is the kind of stir fry that makes you skip the delivery menu.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called “Wandering Dragon”?
It’s a poetic name from Chinese cuisine symbolizing the combination of different meats (like dragon soaring through flavors). It often includes beef and chicken in one dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all components and store separately. Stir-fry just before serving for best texture.

Is this dish very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the chili paste or sriracha.

What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Use a high-smoke point oil like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture.

For more comforting homemade dinners, check out this satisfying Beef Barley Soup.