This Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry is a delightful fusion of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. It’s a quick and nutritious meal that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Stir Fry:

Avocado oil
Chicken breast
Red pepper flakes
Extra-large shrimp
Sugar snap peas
Broccoli florets
Cauliflower florets
Bean sprouts
Carrot slices
Yellow bell pepper
Onion
Salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Cilantro

Sauce:

Tamari soy sauce
Rice wine
Hoisin sauce
Lemon juice
Chili paste
Ginger
Garlic
Sesame oil
Honey
Cornstarch and water slurry
Green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. While heating, mix tamari soy sauce, rice wine, hoisin sauce, lemon juice, chili paste, and honey in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue boiling for 4 minutes, stirring continuously, then remove from heat.
Cook the Chicken: Dice the chicken and toss it with avocado oil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry the chicken in a wok or large skillet for about 5 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Stir-fry the shrimp for about 1 minute per side until they turn pink and are just cooked. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sugar snap peas, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, bean sprouts, carrot slices, yellow bell pepper, and onion to the wok. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for an additional few minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
Serve: Garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles, if desired.

Nutrients

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 283 kcal
Protein: Approximately 25g
Fat: Approximately 12g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
Fiber: Approximately 3g
Sugar: Approximately 5g
Sodium: Approximately 600mg

The Appeal of Stir Fry Dishes

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has become a staple in many Asian cuisines. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a small amount of oil, typically in a wok. This method preserves the nutrients in vegetables while maintaining their crunch and texture. The fast cooking time ensures that the flavors of the ingredients are locked in, providing a burst of freshness with every bite. Stir fry dishes, like this chicken and shrimp stir fry, are popular worldwide for their speed, versatility, and flavor.

One of the greatest benefits of stir-fry dishes is their flexibility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on personal preferences, dietary needs, or seasonal availability. For example, if you prefer other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini, they can be substituted with ease. The stir-fry technique also allows you to include any protein source you desire, from tofu to beef or even pork, while maintaining the same delicious flavors and satisfying texture. The versatility of stir fry makes it perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs.

Why Chicken and Shrimp?

Chicken and shrimp are two of the most popular protein choices in many cuisines due to their mild flavors, quick cooking times, and high nutritional value. Chicken breast, the primary protein in this recipe, is low in fat and a fantastic source of lean protein. It contains essential nutrients like niacin, phosphorus, and vitamins B6 and B12, which support metabolism, immune function, and brain health. Chicken breast is also incredibly versatile, making it a common choice for a wide variety of dishes, from salads to soups, sandwiches, and stir-fries.

Shrimp, on the other hand, offers a unique combination of lean protein and beneficial nutrients. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and reducing inflammation. Shrimp is also high in selenium, an important mineral that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid function. With its low calorie content and high protein density, shrimp makes an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight while enjoying a flavorful meal.

By combining chicken and shrimp in this stir fry, you’re able to enjoy the best of both worlds. The chicken provides a satisfying texture and a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp’s slightly sweet, oceanic taste. Together, they create a balanced and flavorful protein base that complements the array of vegetables and the savory stir-fry sauce.

A Colorful Array of Vegetables

What makes this stir fry even more appealing is the vibrant mix of vegetables included in the recipe. The dish typically features sugar snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, bean sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Not only do these vegetables add pops of color to the dish, but they also provide a host of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Broccoli, for instance, is packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, all of which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting cell growth, and supporting bone health. It’s also a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. Cauliflower is another nutrient-dense vegetable that’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It supports healthy digestion and can help protect against inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Carrots, with their vibrant orange color, are loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision and boosting the immune system. Bell peppers, especially the yellow variety used in this stir fry, are rich in vitamin C, which helps to improve skin health, boost immunity, and support the body’s ability to heal wounds.

Sugar snap peas, bean sprouts, and onions provide an additional dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making the dish even more nutritious. These vegetables not only enhance the flavor of the stir fry but also contribute to its overall health benefits, making it a well-rounded meal.

The Stir Fry Sauce: The Secret to Flavor

The secret behind the bold, savory flavor of this chicken and shrimp stir fry lies in the sauce. The combination of tamari soy sauce, rice wine, hoisin sauce, lemon juice, chili paste, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that enhance the taste of the protein and vegetables. The hoisin sauce adds a rich sweetness, while the tamari soy sauce delivers a depth of umami, making the dish taste more complex and satisfying.

Lemon juice and chili paste provide acidity and heat, respectively, which cut through the richness of the soy sauce and sesame oil. The addition of ginger and garlic adds an aromatic quality to the dish, infusing the stir fry with a warming, spicy scent that is both comforting and appetizing. Sesame oil contributes a deep, nutty flavor, giving the dish an extra layer of complexity.

What makes this stir fry sauce particularly appealing is its versatility. You can adjust the level of sweetness, spice, or tang to suit your preferences. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more chili paste or even fresh chili peppers. If you want to reduce the sweetness, a splash of rice vinegar can help balance out the flavors. The sauce is what brings everything together, making the dish taste just like something you’d find at your favorite Asian restaurant.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry

This chicken and shrimp stir fry isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that support your overall health. The lean proteins from the chicken and shrimp provide your body with the amino acids it needs to build and repair tissues, maintain a healthy immune system, and produce enzymes and hormones. Protein is also an important component of every cell in the body, making it essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.

The vegetables in the stir fry offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support various bodily functions. From supporting healthy skin and eyes to boosting the immune system and promoting digestive health, these vegetables play a key role in your well-being. Fiber-rich vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers help maintain digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels, while also supporting healthy weight management.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Nutritious Meal

Chicken and shrimp stir fry is an exceptional dish that combines the best of both worlds—tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a colorful assortment of vegetables, all smothered in a flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or family gathering. The combination of lean proteins, nutrient-dense vegetables, and bold flavors makes this stir fry not only delicious but also a health-conscious choice.

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