15 Quick Stir Fry and Skillet Recipes to Jump-Start the Week

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Monday nights are busy, so dinner needs to be simple and fast. Stir fry and skillet recipes get a full meal on the table with minimal prep and cleanup. These dishes cook in one pan and build flavor quickly. You’ll find options with noodles, vegetables, beef, chicken, and shrimp that work well any night of the week. Most are ready in about 30 minutes, making them a practical way to start the week strong.

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Spicy mango chicken skillet with jalapeños.
Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken pieces cook with ripe mango and jalapeños in a sauce that brings out both sweetness and heat. The fruit softens into the pan while the chicken stays juicy, and the dish pairs well with rice for a balanced dinner made in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Pork ramen stir fry in a blue cast iron skillet with chop sticks.
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground pork and ramen noodles are tossed with a sauce that balances heat and sweetness while a mix of vegetables adds texture. Everything cooks in one pan in about 20 minutes, creating a weeknight dinner that keeps things simple without cutting back on bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy udon noodle stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Udon noodles and ground beef cook with a ginger and garlic sriracha sauce until everything is coated and flavorful. The noodles stay chewy and soak up the sauce as it thickens, making a hearty dinner that comes together quickly and works well for the start of a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken, cashews and plenty of fresh basil cook in a skillet with a sauce that balances savory and sweet. Served over rice, this dish is done in less than 30 minutes and brings bright, fresh flavors to a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Steak peppers and potato skillet with a metal serving spoon.
Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Steak, potatoes and peppers cook together in one skillet until the steak is tender and the vegetables are roasted through. The simple preparation and rich seasoning make this a hearty dinner that’s easy to start early in the week.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage cook with a light, savory sauce and a touch of spices until the vegetables soften and the flavors meld. This hearty skillet meal is done in about 30 minutes and works well when you want something filling without a long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Bok Choy Stir Fry

A bowl of stir-fried bok choy, yellow bell peppers, and pineapple topped with cashews, with chopsticks and a small bowl of cashews on the side.
Bok Choy Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bok choy, pineapple and cashews simmer in a sauce that keeps the vegetables crisp and flavorful. It can stand on its own as a side or become a full meal by adding tofu or another protein, making it a flexible option for a fast Monday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Stir Fry

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thin strips of beef and bright broccoli cook in a skillet with a rich sauce that clings to every piece. The quick sear keeps the beef tender and the vegetables crisp, making this an easy dinner that’s ready fast and fits the Monday night theme.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground pork, sliced cabbage and mushrooms cook in a savory sauce that brings everything together in under 30 minutes. The cabbage softens while still keeping a bit of bite, making this a quick skillet dinner that feels complete without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and fresh vegetables come together in a single pan with a garlic and ginger sauce that thickens as it cooks. It’s a straightforward recipe with balanced flavors that delivers a filling meal in less time than it takes to order takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and diced sweet potatoes cook together with southwest spices until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld. The hearty mix holds up well for leftovers, making it a smart choice for meal prep early in the week.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A variety of vegetables and two types of beans cook in a single pan with seasonings that bring everything together. The beans add protein while the vegetables stay firm, creating a meatless dinner that’s ready quickly and keeps everyone full.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and combined with vegetables for a meal that cooks in a single skillet. Everything comes together in about half an hour, giving you a flavorful dinner that’s easy to make after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shrimp, tomatoes, spinach and Kalamata olives cook with oregano and lemon until the seafood is tender and the sauce is bright. Feta added at the end gives a creamy finish, and the dish is ready in about 30 minutes for a fresh, fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bite-size pieces of chicken cook quickly with mushrooms, onions and red peppers while garlic and fresh herbs bring the flavors together. This one-pan recipe creates a complete meal that’s easy to prepare and gets dinner on the table without delay.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

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