Happy Family Stir-Fry is a beloved American-Chinese dish that perfectly embodies the idea of culinary harmony. Just like a happy family, this dish brings together a diverse mix of ingredients, each contributing its unique flavor and texture to create a balanced and satisfying meal. This one-pot wonder is packed with proteins, vegetables, and a flavorful Asian brown sauce, making it a complete and nutritious dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
The magic of Happy Family Stir-Fry lies in its robust and multi-layered brown sauce. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing together a symphony of flavors thanks to a blend of different Asian sauces. While the ingredient list might seem extensive at first glance, remember that this recipe is all about abundance and variety. Feel free to adapt it based on your pantry and preferences – the key is to maintain the essence of “happy” coexistence within the dish. The aromatics and the brown sauce are the non-negotiable elements that build the foundational flavor profile.
This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, or indeed, a happy family. Like most stir-fries, it’s cooked quickly over high heat, so preparation is key. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Different vegetables are added at different stages to ensure they are cooked to al dente perfection, retaining their delightful crunch. Soggy vegetables are definitely not part of a happy family!
While many ingredients are readily available in regular grocery stores, you might find water chestnuts and baby corn in the international aisle. Straw mushrooms might require a trip to an Asian grocery store, but feel free to substitute with readily available shiitake or any other mushrooms you have on hand. You might be pleasantly surprised to find a good selection of Asian mushrooms even in well-stocked supermarkets these days. For the essential sauces, an Asian grocery store will offer the widest variety and authentic brands.
Essential Tips for the Best Happy Family Stir-Fry
To ensure your Happy Family Stir-Fry turns out perfectly, understanding the role of each sauce is crucial. Here’s a breakdown:
Thin Soy Sauce: This is your standard, all-purpose soy sauce, the primary source of saltiness in the dish, like Kikkoman. With thin soy sauce in the mix, you likely won’t need to add any extra salt.
Thick/Sweet Soy Sauce: Also known as “Kicap Manis,” this soy sauce has a thicker, almost molasses-like consistency and a sweet flavor profile. It adds both sweetness and a beautiful dark color to the stir-fry. ABC brand Kicap Manis is a popular and authentic choice.
Oyster Sauce: This is an irreplaceable ingredient that contributes a unique umami depth. Choosing a good quality oyster sauce is important for authentic flavor. Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand oyster sauce is a widely recommended and reliable choice. While some regular grocery stores carry oyster sauce in their international aisles, the flavor profiles can vary significantly from authentic Asian brands. Once you have oyster sauce in your pantry, you can explore other delicious Asian-inspired vegetable dishes like Baby Kailan in Oyster Sauce or Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce. It’s also a fantastic addition to noodle dishes, creating a flavorful base when combined with soy sauce and sweet soy sauce.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is used as a finishing touch, not for cooking. A drizzle at the end of the stir-fry adds a wonderful smoky aroma and nutty flavor that elevates the dish. Kadoya sesame oil is a highly regarded brand for its quality and aroma.
With these tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to create a fantastic and flavorful Happy Family Stir-Fry. Gather your ingredients, get your wok hot, and enjoy the process of creating this harmonious and satisfying Chinese-American favorite.
Happy Family Stir-Fry Recipe
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Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lb beef, thinly sliced
- 6 large prawns, shelled with tail on
- 1/2 cup scallops
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup straw mushrooms
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts
- 1 cup baby corn
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup green, yellow, red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
Aromatics
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons thin soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet/thick soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients except cornstarch slurry and set aside.
- Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add beef, chicken, prawns, and scallops. Stir-fry until beef is browned, chicken is no longer pink, and prawns turn pink.
- Add carrots, straw mushrooms, water chestnuts, baby corn, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Pour in cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add broccoli and green onions. Stir-fry for another minute, ensuring broccoli remains crisp-tender.
- Remove from heat and add a dash of pepper, mixing well.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy your delicious Happy Family Stir-Fry!
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