Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the delicious world of Chinese cuisine with a fantastic Chicken and Shrimp Combo recipe. This dish is a delightful mix of savory chicken and succulent shrimp, stir-fried with vibrant vegetables in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your woks, and let's get cooking!

Why This Chicken and Shrimp Combo Rocks

This Chicken and Shrimp Combo isn't just another stir-fry; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your taste buds. The combination of tender chicken and juicy shrimp creates a protein-packed powerhouse, while the colorful vegetables add a delightful crunch and essential nutrients. What truly sets this dish apart is the sauce – a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes that tie everything together. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Plus, it’s versatile! Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have in your fridge or adjust the spice level to your liking. Trust me, once you try this Chicken and Shrimp Chinese Combo, it will become a staple in your meal rotation. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your preferences, making it a perfect option for any occasion. From a quick weeknight meal to a more elaborate dinner party, this combo never fails to impress. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving more.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this mouth-watering Chicken and Shrimp Combo:

• Chicken Breast: About 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. I prefer using medium-sized shrimp for this recipe.
• Broccoli Florets: 1 cup, for that lovely green crunch.
• Carrots: 1/2 cup, sliced. Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• Bell Peppers: 1/2 cup, julienned (I like using a mix of red and yellow for visual appeal).
• Onion: 1/2 cup, sliced.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because what’s a stir-fry without garlic?
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated. Adds a warm, spicy note.
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons. The base of our flavorful sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons. For that umami richness.
• Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. To thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup. Helps to create a smooth sauce.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. For that nutty aroma.
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, if you like a little heat.
• Green Onions: For garnish.
• Cooked Rice: For serving. Because you’ll need something to soak up that delicious sauce!

Make sure you have all these ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, having everything at your fingertips will save you time and stress in the kitchen. Plus, it allows you to focus on the cooking process and ensure that each ingredient is perfectly incorporated into the dish. So, take a moment to double-check your list and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and start cooking this amazing Chicken and Shrimp Combo. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken and Shrimp

In separate bowls, marinate the chicken and shrimp. For the chicken, combine it with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and a dash of sesame oil. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Similarly, marinate the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Marinating the shrimp separately ensures that both the chicken and shrimp retain their unique flavors and textures during the cooking process. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of flavors in your final dish. Remember, the longer you marinate, the more flavorful the meat will be!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, and a dash of sesame oil. Mix until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce is the heart and soul of our Chicken and Shrimp Combo, so make sure it’s well-mixed and ready to go. The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Having the sauce prepared in advance will also streamline the cooking process, allowing you to focus on stir-frying the ingredients to perfection. Don't be afraid to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. A little extra soy sauce for saltiness or a touch of honey for sweetness can make all the difference!

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir-fry the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add the broccoli florets, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside. Stir-frying the vegetables separately ensures that they retain their vibrant colors and crisp textures. Overcrowding the wok can lead to steaming, which can result in soggy vegetables. So, make sure to stir-fry them in batches if necessary. The key is to keep the heat high and the vegetables moving to achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and crunch.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp

Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside. Next, add the marinated shrimp and stir-fry until it turns pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside. Cooking the chicken and shrimp separately allows you to control the cooking time for each protein, ensuring that they are both cooked to perfection. Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough, while overcooked shrimp can be rubbery and unappetizing. So, keep a close eye on them and remove them from the wok as soon as they are done.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add all the cooked vegetables, chicken, and shrimp back into the wok. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir-fry until everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat all the ingredients evenly, creating a glossy and flavorful finish. This is where all the flavors come together to create that signature Chicken and Shrimp Combo taste. Make sure to stir-fry continuously to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the wok.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Chicken and Shrimp Combo hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Chinese feast! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so gather your family and friends and savor the delicious flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and crisp vegetables in a flavorful sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a healthy and satisfying meal that you can feel good about serving. So, dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Combo

• Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding any oil or ingredients.
• Prep Everything in Advance: This recipe moves quickly, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok can lower the temperature and result in soggy ingredients. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to customize the sauce to your taste preferences. A little honey for sweetness or a dash of chili oil for heat can make all the difference.
• Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, so serve your Chicken and Shrimp Combo as soon as it’s ready.

Variations to Try

• Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this recipe. Some great options include snow peas, mushrooms, and bok choy.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to give your Chicken and Shrimp Combo a spicy kick.
• Use Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken or shrimp, you can substitute them with tofu, beef, or pork.
• Add Noodles: Turn this dish into a complete meal by adding cooked noodles to the stir-fry.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a delicious and easy-to-make Chicken and Shrimp Chinese Combo recipe that will impress your family and friends. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, and it's incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. So, grab your woks, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking, and enjoy!