Chinese Seafood Delight is a vibrant and delicious stir-fry that combines a variety of fresh seafood with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. This dish works beautifully because the natural sweetness of the seafood balances perfectly with the umami-rich sauce and crunchy veggies, creating a harmonious texture and flavor profile that’s both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 150g scallops, cleaned
- 150g squid rings
- 100g crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 100g snow peas, trimmed
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- ½ cup chicken or seafood stock
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood: Rinse the shrimp, scallops, and squid rings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps the seafood sear properly without steaming.
- Heat the wok or large skillet: Place your wok or a large frying pan over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the seafood: Add the shrimp, scallops, and squid to the hot wok. Stir-fry quickly for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and just cooked through. Remove the seafood from the wok and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and translucent.
- Add vegetables: Add the julienned carrot, bell pepper, and snow peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, maintaining a crisp-tender texture.
- Return seafood and add crab meat: Return the cooked shrimp, scallops, and squid to the wok along with the crab meat. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add sauces and stock: Pour in the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and chicken or seafood stock. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry once more and slowly drizzle it into the wok while stirring continuously. The sauce should thicken within a minute.
- Finish seasoning: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry, then season with salt and white pepper to taste. Give a final toss to combine all flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the Chinese Seafood Delight to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
Tips
- Seafood substitutions: Feel free to swap in fresh mussels, clams, or firm white fish chunks if preferred. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking delicate items.
- Vegetable variations: Broccoli florets, baby corn, or bamboo shoots also pair well and add more texture to the dish.
- Storage advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood dishes are best eaten fresh but can be gently reheated.
- Common mistake: Avoid overcooking seafood as it can become rubbery. Stir-fry quickly on high heat and remove from the wok promptly once cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Seafood Delight is best served hot with a side of steamed jasmine rice or vegetable fried rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a simple egg drop soup or hot and sour soup. Lightly sautéed bok choy or Chinese broccoli tossed with garlic also complements the dish beautifully and adds extra greens to the meal.
Variations
This recipe is very versatile and can be adapted to your preferences or what’s available. For a spicier version, add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili garlic sauce during the aromatics step. To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free. For a vegetarian take, replace seafood with tofu and mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken or seafood stock.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Chinese Seafood Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because seafood is delicate, it’s best consumed within this timeframe to ensure safety and flavor. To reheat, warm gently in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can toughen the seafood. Reheat only once and discard any leftovers that have been reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used if fresh is unavailable. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat dry to remove excess moisture so the seafood sears properly during stir-frying.
What is the best way to avoid overcooked seafood?
Cook seafood quickly over high heat and remove it from the wok as soon as it turns opaque and firms up. Since it will continue to cook slightly when added back with the sauce, this prevents rubbery texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed freshly cooked, but you can prep all ingredients in advance. Store chopped vegetables and seafood separately in the fridge and stir-fry just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
What type of oyster sauce should I use?
Use a good-quality oyster sauce that is thick and rich in flavor. Brands vary in saltiness and sweetness, so taste and adjust soy sauce or seasoning accordingly. Vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms is also an option for a plant-based version.
Is this dish spicy?
The base recipe is mild but very flavorful. You can easily add heat by including fresh chili slices or chili garlic sauce during cooking if you prefer a spicier dish.
What rice pairs best with Chinese Seafood Delight?
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic pairing, as its fragrant and slightly sticky texture balances the savory seafood sauce. Alternatively, fried rice or brown rice can be served for a heartier meal.
This Chinese Seafood Delight recipe offers a balanced and colorful way to enjoy a variety of seafood with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce. With easy preparation and flexible ingredients, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion alike.
Enjoy your cooking and savor the delicious flavors of this classic Chinese stir-fry!
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