Sizzling Seafood Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Feast from the Sea

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, squid)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 3 tablespoons of water

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic.
  3. Add the mixed seafood to the skillet and cook until they turn pink or opaque. Remove the cooked seafood from the skillet, set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the red and green bell peppers, onion, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
  5. Return the cooked seafood to the skillet.
  6. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  7. Season with ground black pepper and salt.
  8. Stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue to stir-fry for another minute, or until the sauce has thickened.
  9. Remove from heat. Garnish with the sliced green onions before serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet or Wok - A large skillet or wok is required to stir-fry the seafood and vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed to prepare and slice the vegetables.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for chopping and slicing the vegetables and seafood.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are essential to accurately measure the ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, etc.
  • Stirring Utensil - A spatula or wooden spoon is needed to stir-fry the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Whisk - A whisk is required to dissolve the cornstarch in water for thickening the sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the mixed seafood with your choice of individual seafood options such as shrimp, scallops, or squid.
  • Add other vegetables of your choice such as mushrooms, snow peas, or water chestnuts.
  • Include different herbs and spices like ginger, lemongrass, or Thai basil for added flavor.
  • For a spicy kick, add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir fry.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing the seafood with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
  • Try using different types of oil such as sesame oil or peanut oil for a unique flavor.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure other sauces are gluten-free as well.

Recipe overview

This Seafood Stir Fry recipe is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines a variety of seafood with crisp, colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. It's a great option for a hearty dinner and works well for those who love seafood, stir fries, or Asian-inspired cuisine. You'll be using a mix of seafood - like shrimp, scallops, and squid - and a rainbow of vegetables, including bell peppers, onion, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. Everything gets stir-fried together in a skillet or wok with a sauce made from soy, oyster, and fish sauce for a rich, umami flavor. This dish is not only delicious, but also quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Plus, it's easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy this Seafood Stir Fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of seafood? Yes, you can use any combination of seafood that you prefer. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are commonly used, but feel free to substitute or add other seafood options.
  2. Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Make sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking.
  3. Can I customize the vegetables in this stir-fry? Absolutely! You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand. Just ensure that they are sliced or chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and checking that the oyster sauce and fish sauce you use are also gluten-free.
  5. Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes, if you enjoy some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stir-fry while cooking.
  6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy stir-fries immediately, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Cook them together just before serving for the freshest results.
  7. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or work to accommodate the increased quantity.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet or Wok - A large skillet or wok is essential for stir-frying the seafood and vegetables.
  • Utensils - Various utensils such as a spatula or tongs for stirring and flipping the ingredients during cooking.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the vegetables and preparing the seafood.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop and prepare the vegetables.
  • Bowls - Bowls for holding the cooked seafood, chopped vegetables, and sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and other seasonings.
  • Cornstarch - Cornstarch to dissolve in water and create a thickening agent for the sauce.
  • Serving Platter - A serving platter to present the seafood stir-fry.

Origin stories

Seafood stir fry, with its colorful medley of vegetables and variety of seafood, is deeply rooted in the coastal regions of East Asia where fresh produce and seafood are abundant. Stir frying as a cooking method originated in China over 1500 years ago during the Han Dynasty. The stir fry method was ideal for their traditional round-bottomed cooking vessel, the wok. It was a brilliant solution to conserve scarce fuel by cooking food quickly. Over time, this efficient cooking method spread across other parts of Asia, each region adding its own local ingredients and flavors. Consequently, the seafood stir fry we know today is more than just a delicious dish, it's a testament to centuries of culinary evolution, reflecting the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the cooks who came before us.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.