Irresistible Chicken And Shrimp Chinese Combo Recipe

by Alex Braham 53 views

Hey guys! Craving that delicious Chinese takeout flavor but want to make it at home? Look no further! This chicken and shrimp combo recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings. It’s easier than you think and tastes even better than what you'd get at a restaurant. We're talking succulent chicken, juicy shrimp, and a flavorful sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So, let's dive into this fantastic recipe and bring the taste of China right to your kitchen!

Why This Chicken and Shrimp Combo is a Must-Try

Okay, seriously, why shouldn't you try this recipe? First off, the combination of chicken and shrimp is a culinary dream team. The tenderness of the chicken complements the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. Secondly, making it at home means you control the ingredients. No mystery additives or excessive sodium here! You get fresh, wholesome goodness in every bite. Plus, you can customize it to your liking – add more veggies, spice it up, or make it sweeter – the possibilities are endless!

And let's not forget the time factor. Ordering takeout can take ages, but this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. That’s faster than waiting for delivery! This delicious chicken and shrimp stir-fry is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. Seriously, you will become a kitchen rockstar! Now, let's delve into the ingredients you'll need to create this masterpiece.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start cooking, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process. Here's what you'll need for our amazing chicken and shrimp combo:

  • Chicken Breast: About 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs work too if you prefer dark meat!
  • Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Go for medium or large shrimp for the best texture.
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced.
    • 1 onion, sliced.
    • 1 cup broccoli florets.
    • 1/2 cup sliced carrots.
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
    • 1 inch ginger, minced.
  • Sauce Ingredients:
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce.
    • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce. This adds a sweet and savory depth.
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch. For thickening the sauce.
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Adds a tangy kick.
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil. For that authentic Chinese flavor.
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat!).
    • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water).
  • Oil: Vegetable or canola oil for cooking.
  • Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).

Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the whole process much easier and faster. Now, let's move on to the cooking instructions!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your very own restaurant-quality chicken and shrimp combo. Trust me; it's easier than you think!

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp: In separate bowls, marinate the chicken and shrimp. For the chicken, use a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch. For the shrimp, use a teaspoon of soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the chicken until it's cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Stir-Fry the Shrimp: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and stir-fry the shrimp until it turns pink and opaque. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or it will become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
  5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and stir-fry the vegetables (onions, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots) until they are tender-crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger during the last minute and stir-fry until fragrant.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Serve: Serve the delicious chicken and shrimp combo hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Combo

Want to take your chicken and shrimp combo to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve perfection:

  • Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create that signature smoky flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding the oil.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so it's essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping the vegetables, marinating the meat, and making the sauce.
  • Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more hoisin sauce. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. And if you want it tangier, add more rice vinegar.
  • Add Other Vegetables: Get creative with your vegetables! Some other great additions include snow peas, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and baby corn.
  • Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best served immediately while they are still hot and the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this chicken and shrimp combo is that it's incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to try:

  • Spicy Kung Pao Chicken and Shrimp: Add peanuts and extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Garlic Chicken and Shrimp: Increase the amount of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
  • Lemon Chicken and Shrimp: Add lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
  • Cashew Chicken and Shrimp: Add cashews for a nutty crunch.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken and shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and shrimp combo is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

  • Rice: Serve it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
  • Noodles: Serve it over lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or rice noodles.
  • Spring Rolls: Serve it with spring rolls or egg rolls for a classic Chinese takeout experience.
  • Soup: Serve it with a side of wonton soup or egg drop soup.
  • Salad: Serve it with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.

Health Benefits

Besides being incredibly delicious, this chicken and shrimp combo also offers several health benefits:

  • Lean Protein: Chicken and shrimp are both excellent sources of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in this dish are packed with vitamins and minerals, which are important for overall health.
  • Low in Fat: When cooked properly, this dish is relatively low in fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.
  • Customizable: You can easily customize this dish to meet your specific dietary needs and preferences.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a delicious, easy, and customizable chicken and shrimp combo recipe that you can make at home in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any time you're craving Chinese takeout. With its flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a taste of China in your own kitchen! Happy cooking, guys!