How to Make Chinese Shrimp and Scallops Stir Fry
If you're looking to elevate your dinner game, making a Chinese shrimp and scallops stir fry is a fantastic choice. This dish not only showcases the delicate flavors of seafood but also brings a vibrant array of vegetables to the plate. Let’s dive into the steps for creating this delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops, cleaned
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps to prepare your delicious shrimp and scallops stir fry:
1. Marinate the Seafood
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp and scallops with half of the soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the seafood is marinating, wash and chop your mix of vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly in the stir fry.
3. Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce will thicken when added to the stir fry, giving it a luscious texture.
4. Heat the Wok
Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Cook the Seafood
Add the marinated shrimp and scallops into the wok. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and turns opaque. Remove them from the wok and set aside.
6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they're tender-crisp. This step will keep the veggies vibrant and crunchy.
7. Combine Everything
Return the shrimp and scallops to the wok along with the prepared sauce. Stir everything together for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the seafood and vegetables evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve your Chinese shrimp and scallops stir fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry
- Ensure your wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that authentic stir-fry taste.
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying is a quick process.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok; cook in batches if needed to keep the ingredients from steaming.
By following these steps and tips, you'll create a delightful Chinese shrimp and scallops stir fry that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your culinary adventure!