Although both dishes employ high heat cooking with fresh vegetables and protein, Thai Stir Fry is usually spicier and more aromatic than Chinese stir fry. Thai Stir Fry usually includes strong flavors from ingredients such as fish sauce, Thai basil, chili, and lime, which provide a spicy and tangy kick.

Chinese stir fry, on the other hand, concentrates on soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin, which provide more umami and savory flavors. The use of fresh herbs and special spices in Thai Stir Fry distinguishes it, with a lighter, fresher flavor profile than the heavier, more full-bodied Chinese variant.