Happy Family Stir Fry
A vibrant Chinese-American stir-fry that brings together a delightful mix of chicken, beef, shrimp, and crisp vegetables in a rich, savory brown sauce. It's a restaurant favorite that's surprisingly easy to make at home for a complete, satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate Meats & Prepare Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef and chicken. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1.5 tbsp cornstarch. Toss well to coat each piece. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- c.In a separate small bowl, prepare the stir-fry sauce. Whisk together the chicken broth, remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, remaining 1 tbsp cornstarch, and white pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Proteins
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Carefully add the marinated beef and chicken in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside on a plate.
- d.Add the shrimp to the hot wok. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and add them to the plate with the beef and chicken.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 1-2 tbsp of oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant and begin to get tender. You can add a splash of water and cover for a minute to steam them slightly if needed.
- d.Add the snow peas, water chestnuts, and baby corn. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until all vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Return the cooked beef, chicken, and shrimp to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the sauce a quick re-whisk to ensure the cornstarch is incorporated, then pour it over everything in the wok.
- d.Stir constantly and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and glazes all the ingredients.
- e.Gently fold in the imitation crab meat. Cook for just 30-60 seconds more to heat it through without breaking it apart.
- f.Remove from heat and serve immediately over hot steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to a great stir-fry is preparation. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready by the stove before you start cooking ('mise en place').
- 2Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients. This creates a proper sear and prevents the food from steaming.
- 3Cook proteins in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the temperature and results in steamed, rubbery meat.
- 4For extra flavor, you can add a few dried red chilies with the garlic and ginger for a bit of heat.
- 5Don't overcook the vegetables. They should remain crisp and vibrant for the best texture and flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Omit all meats and use firm tofu or seitan. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a vegetarian oyster sauce (often made from mushrooms).
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Feel free to substitute with other classic stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, bok choy, or bamboo shoots.
Nutty AdditionNutty Addition
For extra crunch and flavor, toss in a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts at the very end.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Combining beef, chicken, and shrimp provides a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The diverse array of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snow peas delivers essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and K, as well as important minerals and antioxidants.
Balanced Macronutrients
This dish offers a well-rounded meal with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates (from vegetables), and fats, contributing to sustained energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a very healthy dish. It's packed with lean proteins from chicken, beef, and shrimp, and loaded with vitamins and fiber from the variety of vegetables. To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce and broth, and serve it with brown rice.