Chinese Mixed Seafood Stir Fry Recipe: Quick and Easy Dish for Seafood Lovers

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that is packed with flavour and nutrients, then a Chinese mixed seafood stir fry is the perfect choice. This dish is a popular option for seafood lovers, as it combines a variety of seafood with a delicious stir fry sauce that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

To make this dish, you'll need to gather a few essential ingredients such as mixed seafood, ginger, garlic, and spring onions. You can also add other vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, and peppers to add more flavour and texture to the dish. Once you have all the ingredients, you can start preparing the dish by following a few simple preparation techniques.

The cooking process for this dish is fairly straightforward, as you'll need to stir fry the seafood and vegetables in a wok or pan until they are cooked through. You can then add the stir fry sauce and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened and coated the seafood and vegetables. Once the dish is ready, you can serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese mixed seafood stir fry is a quick and easy dinner recipe that is packed with flavour and nutrients.
• Essential ingredients for this dish include mixed seafood, ginger, garlic, and spring onions.
• You can add other vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, and peppers to add more flavour and texture to the dish.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese mixed seafood stir fry, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need. These include a mix of seafood, vegetables, and a range of spices and sauces. Here's a breakdown of each:

Choosing Seafood

Seafood is a crucial component of any seafood stir fry recipe. You can use a variety of seafood such as squid, shrimp, and fish. However, it is important to use fresh seafood to ensure the best taste. Frozen packs are also fine, but make sure to allow them to thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Vegetable Selection

Vegetables are an essential part of any stir fry recipe. For this recipe, you'll need vegetables like bell peppers, onions, broccoli, snow peas, celery, and scallions. You can also add carrots to add more color and texture to the dish. Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

Aromatics and Seasonings

Aromatics and seasonings are what give the dish its unique flavor. You'll need ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, sugar, white pepper, and black pepper. These ingredients will help to bring out the flavors of the seafood and vegetables.

When choosing seafood, it is important to choose the right type of seafood for your recipe. Squid, shrimp, and fish are the most commonly used seafood for this recipe. However, you can also use other types of seafood such as scallops, clams, or mussels.

Overall, the key to making a delicious Chinese mixed seafood stir fry is to use fresh ingredients and a variety of spices and sauces. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can make a mouth-watering seafood stir fry that will impress your family and friends.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating Seafood

Marinating seafood is an essential step in preparing Chinese mixed seafood stir fry. It helps to tenderize the seafood and adds flavour to it. You can use a combination of cornflour, egg white, cornstarch, shaoxing wine, and dry sherry to marinate the seafood. Mix these ingredients together and coat the seafood with the mixture. Leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

When it comes to seafood, you can use a mix of squid, shrimp, and fish. Squid and shrimp are commonly used in Chinese mixed seafood stir fry, but you can also add other seafood like scallops or mussels for variation.

Cutting Vegetables

Preparing the vegetables is another crucial step in making Chinese mixed seafood stir fry. You will need bell peppers, onions, and broccoli for this recipe. Cut the bell peppers into thin strips, chop the onions into small pieces, and cut the broccoli into small florets. Make sure the vegetables are evenly sliced and chopped so that they cook evenly.

Making the Stir Fry Sauce

The stir fry sauce is what brings all the ingredients together and gives the dish its flavour. You can make the sauce by mixing soy sauce, chicken stock or broth, and ginger together. You can also add other spices like garlic or chilli flakes for extra flavour.

To thicken the sauce, you can add cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent lumps from forming. Once you have made the sauce, set it aside until you are ready to cook.

Overall, marinating the seafood, cutting the vegetables, and making the stir fry sauce are the key preparation techniques for making Chinese mixed seafood stir fry. With these techniques, you can create a delicious and flavourful dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Cooking Process

Using the Wok

Stir-frying is a quick and easy cooking method that requires high heat and a wok. A wok is a versatile cooking tool that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including stir-fries. To start, heat your wok over high heat until it is hot. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or cooking oil and swirl it around the wok to coat the surface evenly.

Stir-Frying in Stages

When stir-frying, it is essential to cook the ingredients in stages to ensure that they are cooked evenly. Start by adding the seafood, such as squid, shrimp, and fish, and stir-fry for a minute or two until they are seared on the outside. Then, add the vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli and stir-fry for another minute or two.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To achieve the perfect texture, it is essential to cook the stir-fry until the seafood is cooked through but not overcooked. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery seafood. The stir-fry should also have a glossy sauce that coats the ingredients evenly. To achieve this, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the stir-fry and stir until the sauce thickens.

Propose the use of seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable. You can use a mix of seafood such as squid, shrimp, and fish to make the perfect Chinese mixed seafood stir fry. However, you can also use other seafood like scallops, mussels, or clams to add variety to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the seafood is cooked through.

By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and crunchy Chinese mixed seafood stir fry that is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

A mixed seafood stir fry is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Steamed rice or jasmine rice is a classic pairing that complements the flavours of the seafood and sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the stir fry as a noodle topping for a more substantial meal. Egg noodles or udon noodles would work well with this dish.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can serve the stir fry with a side of steamed vegetables such as bok choy or broccoli. The freshness of the vegetables will balance out the richness of the seafood and sauce.

Garnishing and Plating

Garnishing and plating can add the finishing touches to your mixed seafood stir fry. Coriander and green onions are popular choices for garnishing as they add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish. You can chop them finely and sprinkle them over the top of the stir fry before serving.

For a more elegant presentation, you can plate the stir fry on a large serving platter and arrange the seafood and vegetables in an artful manner. This is a great option if you're entertaining guests and want to impress them with your culinary skills.

Remember to use seafood that is fresh and of high quality for the best results. Shrimp, squid, and fish are common types of seafood used in a mixed seafood stir fry. However, you can also experiment with other types of seafood such as scallops or mussels for a unique twist.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to Chinese mixed seafood stir fry, the nutritional information can vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. However, seafood is generally considered a healthy source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

If you're looking for a low-calorie option, you can use a mix of seafood that is lower in fat, such as shrimp, scallops, and squid. These seafood options are also a good source of protein and can help you feel full for longer.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a higher-fat option, you can use a mix of seafood that is higher in fat, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. These seafood options are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.

To make your Chinese mixed seafood stir fry even more nutritious, you can add a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and onions. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and can help you meet your daily recommended intake of vegetables.

When it comes to umami flavour, seafood is an excellent choice. The natural umami flavour in seafood can enhance the overall flavour of your stir fry. To get the most out of your seafood, make sure to use fresh, high-quality seafood.

Some suggested seafood to use in your Chinese mixed seafood stir fry include shrimp, squid, scallops, and fish. These seafood options are readily available and can be found at your local seafood market or grocery store.

Overall, Chinese mixed seafood stir fry can be a healthy and nutritious meal option. By using a mix of seafood and vegetables, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is packed with nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to cook mixed frozen seafood for a stir fry?

The best way to cook mixed frozen seafood for a stir fry is to defrost it first. You can defrost it by placing it in the fridge overnight or by running it under cold water for a few minutes. Once it's defrosted, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, stir fry it in a wok or pan with some oil and garlic until it's cooked through.

How can I make a seafood stir fry with oyster sauce more flavourful?

To make a seafood stir fry with oyster sauce more flavourful, you can add some ginger, garlic, and chilli to the stir fry. You can also add some soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine to enhance the flavour. If you want to make it more savoury, you can add some chicken or fish stock to the stir fry.

Could you suggest some vegetables that pair well with a seafood stir fry?

Some vegetables that pair well with a seafood stir fry are bell peppers, onions, broccoli, bok choy, snow peas, and carrots. You can also add some mushrooms, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts for added texture and flavour.

What's the secret to a simple yet tasty Chinese seafood stir fry with noodles?

The secret to a simple yet tasty Chinese seafood stir fry with noodles is to use fresh ingredients, including fresh seafood and vegetables. You should also use a good quality oyster sauce and soy sauce for added flavour. To make it more tasty, you can add some garlic, ginger, and chilli to the stir fry. Finally, use a wok or pan to stir fry the ingredients quickly over high heat.

How long should I boil a frozen seafood mix before adding it to the stir fry?

You don't need to boil a frozen seafood mix before adding it to the stir fry. Instead, defrost it first as mentioned above. Once it's defrosted, you can add it directly to the stir fry and cook it through.

Is actual seafood used in the making of oyster sauce?

Yes, actual seafood is used in the making of oyster sauce. Oyster sauce is made from oysters, soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients such as salt, cornstarch, and MSG. It's a savoury sauce that's commonly used in Chinese cooking to add flavour to stir fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.