Sautéing and stir-frying might look the same because both cook food quickly in some oil. However, they each have their own style and way of doing things.

Sautéing:

• Uses a wide, flat pan.
• Cooks food on medium to medium-high heat.
• You start by adding ingredients that take longer to cook, like onions or garlic. Then you add quicker-cooking items, like vegetables.
• The goal is to get a nice brown color for extra flavor!

Stir-Frying:

• Needs a wok or a pan with tall sides so you can toss the food.
• Uses high heat.
• Ingredients are cut into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. You add them in a specific order based on their cooking times.
• It’s super quick—like, you’re in and out—while keeping everything crunchy!

So, whether you're sautéing onions for pasta or stir-frying veggies for a fast dinner, remember: it's all about the right tools and heat to bring out those yummy flavors!