Chinese Scallop Stir-fry

Chinese Scallop Stir-fry Recipe | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chinese Scallop Stir-fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender bay scallops with a variety of vegetables and a savory sauce. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Scallop stir-fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. Scallops are a prized ingredient in Chinese cooking, prized for their delicate flavor and tender texture. This dish is often served as part of a larger meal, accompanied by rice or noodles.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb (454 g) bay scallops, rinsed and dried
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 8 oz (227 g) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 red bell pepper or 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 medium carrot, cut into strips
0.33 cup thinly sliced green onions
0.5 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp dry sherry
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 6 oz (170 g) package frozen snow peas*
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add scallops and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Stir in mushrooms, water chestnuts, pepper, carrot, and onions; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Combine broth, sherry, soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and pepper.
Add the mixture to the wok along with snow peas.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce is clear and thickened, stirring frequently.
Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. You can also add in additional seasonings, such as garlic, chili paste, or sesame oil, for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse and dry the scallops before cooking to remove any excess moisture.

- Be sure to stir-fry the scallops quickly over high heat to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their tender texture.

- Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or add in additional seasonings for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chinese Scallop Stir-fry over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or noodles for a more filling dish.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a cooking technique commonly used in Chinese cuisine that involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok. This method helps to retain the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients while creating a delicious dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bay scallops, you can use larger sea scallops or shrimp as a substitute. You can also use different vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn, in place of the ones listed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time when cooking. Store the ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chinese Scallop Stir-fry with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve it in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing side dish, such as a cucumber salad or steamed bok choy. You can also serve it with a side of fried rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This dish contains shellfish (scallops) and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Chinese Scallop Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a flavorful sauce, tender scallops, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this dish with rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chinese Scallop Stir-fry. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman eager to learn new dishes and expand my culinary skills. I had always been fascinated by the flavors and techniques of Chinese cuisine, and when a friend shared this recipe with me, I knew I had to give it a try.

My friend had learned the recipe from a Chinese chef she had met while traveling in Asia. She described the dish as a delicate and flavorful stir-fry made with fresh scallops, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. I was intrigued and excited to try my hand at creating this dish in my own kitchen.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need for the recipe: fresh scallops, snow peas, bell peppers, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. I carefully cleaned and prepared the scallops, removing the tough muscle and rinsing them thoroughly. I chopped the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and minced the ginger and garlic.

As I heated the wok on the stove, I could feel my excitement building. I added a splash of oil and let it heat up before tossing in the ginger and garlic. The fragrant aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew I was on the right track.

Next, I added the scallops to the wok, allowing them to sear and caramelize on each side. The sizzling sound they made as they cooked was music to my ears. I could already imagine the tender texture and sweet flavor they would bring to the dish.

Once the scallops were cooked through, I added the vegetables to the wok, stirring them gently to ensure they cooked evenly. The vibrant colors of the snow peas and bell peppers contrasted beautifully with the golden scallops, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Finally, I poured in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, allowing them to mingle with the other ingredients and create a rich, savory sauce. The aroma that wafted up from the wok was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite of the Chinese Scallop Stir-fry, I knew I had discovered a new favorite dish. The tender scallops melted in my mouth, while the crisp vegetables provided a satisfying crunch. The sauce was perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of saltiness and umami flavor.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family and friends, knowing they would love it as much as I did. Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking and perfecting it to suit my taste. It has become a staple in my repertoire, a dish that never fails to impress and delight.

I am grateful to my friend for introducing me to this recipe, and to the Chinese chef who first created it. Their generosity and expertise have inspired me to continue exploring new flavors and techniques, always striving to create dishes that bring joy and satisfaction to those who enjoy them.

As I look back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Chinese Scallop Stir-fry, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express creativity and love through food. And this recipe, with its delicate flavors and elegant presentation, will always hold a special place in my heart.