The Best Chinese Seafood Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Chinese seafood dishes are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re looking to add some variety to your dinner routine, these recipes will help you whip up flavorful meals in no time.

1. Sweet and Sour Shrimp

This vibrant dish combines succulent shrimp with a tangy sauce for an appetizing weeknight meal.

Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, 1 cup bell peppers, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and cornstarch.
Instructions: Sauté the shrimp until pink, then add bell peppers and pineapple. Mix sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a separate bowl and pour over the shrimp mixture. Thicken the sauce with a little cornstarch if desired. Serve over rice.

2. Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

This recipe brings a taste of luxury to your busy weeknights without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients: 2 lobster tails, 4 tbsp butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, lemon juice, and parsley.
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Melt butter and mix with garlic and lemon juice. Cut the lobster tails lengthwise and brush with the garlic butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes and garnish with parsley before serving.

3. Spicy Szechuan Fish

If you love a kick in your meal, this spicy Szechuan fish recipe will spice up your dinner in just under 30 minutes.

Ingredients: 1 lb fish fillets, 2 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp chili paste, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Instructions: Heat oil in a pan, add Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger. Once fragrant, add the fish fillets and cook until golden brown. Stir in chili paste and top with chopped green onions before serving.

4. Stir-Fried Scallops with Vegetables

This quick, nutritious dish features scallops and mixed vegetables, perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.

Ingredients: 1 lb scallops, 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, carrots), soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Instructions: In a large pan, heat sesame oil and add scallops, cooking until browned. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve hot.

5. Chinese-style Seafood Fried Rice

This dish is a great way to use leftover rice and combine various seafood in one meal.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice, 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, crab), 1 egg, 1 cup peas and carrots, and soy sauce.
Instructions: In a large pan, scramble the egg then set aside. Add mixed seafood to the pan and cook until heated through. Stir in cooked rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. Add scrambled egg back into the mix and serve.

These quick and easy Chinese seafood recipes will transform your busy weeknights into delicious dining experiences. Experiment with different seafood options and flavors to discover your family's favorites!