Stir frying is a cooking technique that involves quickly frying small pieces of food in a hot pan or wok with a small amount of oil. This method allows ingredients to cook evenly while retaining their color, texture, and nutrients. Common ingredients include vegetables, meats, and tofu, often seasoned with sauces like soy sauce or oyster sauce. The key to successful stir frying is high heat and constant movement. Chefs use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss the ingredients, ensuring they cook quickly and evenly. This technique is popular in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese cooking, where it originated.