If you're a fan of seafood and Chinese cuisine, then you'll love the Chinese seafood delight recipe. This dish is a classic 70s retro recipe that combines shrimp and cream cheese with crab meat, horseradish, bell pepper, and celery. It's perfect for a light lunch or an appetizer with crackers.
To make this delicious recipe, you'll need a few essential ingredients like shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, and Chinese 5 spice. You can also add other types of seafood like scallops or lobster to enhance the flavour. The recipe is easy to follow, healthy, and low in calories and sodium.
If you're looking for a tasty and healthy seafood dish to add to your menu, then give the Chinese seafood delight recipe a try. It's a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for any occasion.
Key Takeaways
- The Chinese seafood delight recipe is a classic 70s retro recipe that combines shrimp and cream cheese with crab meat, horseradish, bell pepper, and celery.
- Essential ingredients for this recipe include shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, and Chinese 5 spice. You can also add other types of seafood like scallops or lobster to enhance the flavour.
- This recipe is easy to follow, healthy, and low in calories and sodium.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making a Chinese seafood delight, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. In this section, we'll go over the different types of seafood, vegetable additions, and sauces and seasonings that you can use to create a delicious and authentic dish.
Seafood Varieties
Seafood is the star of this dish, so it's important to choose the right type of seafood to use. Some popular options include shrimp, lobster, crab meat, and scallops. You can use one type of seafood or a combination of different types to add variety and texture to the dish. If you're not a fan of seafood, you can also substitute it with other protein sources such as chicken or tofu.
Vegetable Additions
Vegetables are an important part of any Chinese dish, and the same holds true for a seafood delight. Some popular vegetable additions include garlic, onion, ginger, carrots, bell pepper, and scallions. These vegetables add flavour, texture, and colour to the dish. You can also add other vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas to add more variety.
Sauces and Seasonings
To add depth of flavour to your seafood delight, you'll need to use the right sauces and seasonings. Some popular options include sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar. You can also add other seasonings such as chilli flakes, five-spice powder, or oyster sauce to add more complexity to the dish. When using sauces, it's important to use them in moderation so that they don't overpower the other flavours in the dish.
If you're a seafood lover, then you'll definitely want to include seafood in your Chinese seafood delight recipe. Shrimp, lobster, crab meat, and scallops are all excellent options that will add flavour and texture to the dish. However, if you're not a fan of seafood, you can always substitute it with other protein sources such as chicken or tofu.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
The caloric content of Chinese Seafood Delight varies based on the recipe and serving size. On average, a serving of Chinese Seafood Delight contains around 348-425 calories. However, the number of calories may vary depending on the ingredients used. If you are looking to reduce the calorie content of the dish, you can use seafood such as shrimp, crab, or fish, which are low in calories and high in protein.
Macronutrients
Chinese Seafood Delight is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. A serving of Chinese Seafood Delight contains around 20-25 grams of protein. Seafood is also a good source of healthy fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. However, the dish may also contain high amounts of sodium and saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Vitamins and Minerals
Chinese Seafood Delight contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Calcium is important for building strong bones and teeth, while iron is essential for the production of red blood cells. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy eyesight, while vitamin C is essential for boosting the immune system. Seafood such as shrimp and crab are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.
Proposed Use of Seafood: You can use shrimp, crab, or fish in your Chinese Seafood Delight recipe to add flavour and nutrition. Shrimp is a low-calorie and high-protein seafood that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Crab is a good source of healthy fats and vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells. Fish such as salmon and tuna are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which can help improve heart health and bone density.
Cooking Method
Preparation Steps
To begin making Chinese Seafood Delight, you will need to prepare the seafood and vegetables. You can use a variety of seafood such as shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Clean and devein the shrimp, and remove any shells or bones from the crab meat. Cut the vegetables such as bell pepper and celery into small pieces.
Next, marinate the seafood with Shaoxing wine and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the seafood and give it a nice texture. Mix the seafood and vegetables together in a bowl and set aside.
Cooking Techniques
Heat a wok on high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seafood and vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are cooked through. You can also deep fry the seafood for a crispy texture.
To make a seafood bird nest, you can use a steel mesh strainer to shape the taro into a nest. Deep fry the nest until golden brown, then fill it with the cooked seafood and vegetables.
Chinese Seafood Delight is a versatile dish that can be served with rice or noodles. You can also use different cooking techniques such as stir-frying or deep frying to create different textures. If you want to add more seafood to the dish, you can also use scallops or fish fillets.
Overall, Chinese Seafood Delight is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
When it comes to serving Chinese Seafood Delight, there are many accompaniments that can complement the dish. Rice and noodles are great options for serving with this dish. You can also serve a salad with cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and onion to balance the flavours. Lemon juice can be used to add a tangy taste to the dish.
If you are serving Chinese Seafood Delight as an appetizer, you can cut the seafood into small pieces and serve it with crackers. This dish is perfect for parties and holidays as it can be prepared in advance and served cold.
Proposing the use of seafood in the recipe, you can use shrimp, crab meat, and lobster to add more flavour and texture to the dish. They can be grilled or boiled to perfection and added to the recipe.
Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when it comes to serving Chinese Seafood Delight. You can serve the dish in a large bowl or on a platter. You can also use small bowls or ramekins to serve individual portions.
To make the dish more visually appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. You can also add slices of lemon or lime to the dish for an extra pop of colour.
In conclusion, Chinese Seafood Delight is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you are serving it as a main course or an appetizer, there are many accompaniments that can complement the dish. By following these tips, you can make the dish look and taste great.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigeration
If you have leftovers of Chinese seafood delight, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them as soon as possible. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating it. Seafood is a perishable ingredient and can spoil quickly if not stored correctly, so it is important to refrigerate the dish promptly.
Freezing Tips
If you have a lot of leftovers or want to make a big batch of Chinese seafood delight ahead of time, you can freeze it for later use. To freeze the dish, transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat the frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is heated through. It is important to note that freezing seafood can affect the texture and flavour of the dish, so it may not taste exactly the same as when it was freshly made.
If you want to use seafood in the recipe, you can use shrimp, crab meat, lobster, or a combination of these. Make sure to buy fresh seafood and clean it thoroughly before using it in the recipe. Seafood is a healthy ingredient that is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so it is a great addition to this dish.
Overall, storing and reheating Chinese seafood delight is easy and straightforward. Just make sure to follow the guidelines for refrigeration and freezing to ensure that the dish stays fresh and safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's typically included in a seafood delight dish?
A seafood delight dish typically includes a variety of seafood such as shrimp, squid, scallops, and crab meat. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms are also commonly used. Some recipes call for the addition of chicken or beef.
How do you whip up an easy seafood delight at home?
To whip up an easy seafood delight at home, start by stir-frying your seafood and vegetables in a wok or large skillet. Add your desired sauce, such as a white sauce or oyster sauce, and cook until the sauce has thickened. Serve with rice or noodles.
What's the secret to the best seafood delight?
The secret to the best seafood delight is using fresh seafood and vegetables. Make sure to not overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery. Additionally, using a flavourful sauce can take your dish to the next level.
Can chicken be added to a seafood delight, and if so, how?
Yes, chicken can be added to a seafood delight. Simply slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry it with the seafood and vegetables. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before serving.
What's the recipe for the white sauce often used in seafood delights?
The recipe for the white sauce used in seafood delights typically includes mayonnaise, condensed milk, lemon juice, and sugar. However, there are many variations of this sauce, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find your favourite.
How many calories are we talking about in an average serving of seafood delight?
The number of calories in an average serving of seafood delight can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. However, seafood is generally low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy choice. If you're concerned about the calorie count, consider using seafood in moderation and pairing your dish with healthy sides like steamed vegetables.