Simple Garlic Stir-Fry Recipe for Everyday Cooking

A good garlic stir-fry is one of the most versatile and satisfying dishes in any kitchen. Whether you serve it as a simple vegetable side, pair it with steamed rice, or use it as a base for a more complex dish, this recipe delivers consistent flavour and aroma every time.

This recipe is designed for restaurants, caterers, and everyday cooks who want a reliable, quick garlic stir-fry using fresh peeled garlic for the best possible aroma and result. Using ready-to-use peeled garlic from BLP Fresh Pack means you can go from ingredient to wok in seconds.

Ingredients

Serves 2–4 · Prep: 5 mins · Cook: 5 mins

• 100g fresh peeled garlic cloves (sliced or lightly crushed)
• 300g vegetables of choice — morning glory (kangkung), baby kailan, bean sprouts, or mixed vegetables
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or palm oil)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (for colour)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 2–3 tablespoons water
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the garlic — if using BLP Fresh Pack ready-to-use peeled garlic, simply slice or lightly crush the cloves. No peeling required, saving you valuable preparation time.
2. 2Heat your wok or heavy-based pan over the highest heat available until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface evenly.
3. 3Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry continuously for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges. Watch carefully — garlic burns quickly on high heat.
4. 4Add your choice of vegetables to the wok and toss quickly and continuously over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep the vegetables moving to ensure even cooking.
5. 5Add the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a splash of water. Toss everything together well to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce.
6. 6Taste and season with salt and white pepper as needed. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for aroma.
7. 7Transfer immediately to a serving plate and serve hot with steamed white rice. This dish is best enjoyed right off the wok.

Chef Tips for Better Results

• Always use the highest heat available for stir-frying — this creates the essential wok hei (breath of wok) flavour that defines a great stir-fry.
• Add garlic to the oil first before any other ingredients to build a deep, aromatic base for the dish.
• Do not overcrowd the wok — cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat throughout.
• Ready-to-use peeled garlic from BLP Fresh Pack delivers the same fresh aroma as garlic peeled to order, with none of the preparation time.
• For a restaurant-scale version, this recipe multiplies easily — pre-weigh your garlic portions in advance for faster service.
• Add protein such as chicken slices, prawns, tofu, or egg for a complete meal with minimal extra effort.