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As school breaks approaches and June come to an end, many of us find ourselves longing for those relaxing mornings when we could sleep in just a little longer. The reality of returning to our regular routines hits hard, especially when it comes to preparing weeknight dinners that satisfy the whole family. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes that has become a true lifesaver in our household.

This Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry isn’t just delicious – it’s incredibly easy to make and has earned the coveted title of “most requested recipe” from my kids. When you’re juggling homework help, after-school activities, and the general chaos of family life, having a reliable recipe that delivers both nutrition and flavor becomes absolutely essential.

Why This Recipe: Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry Will Transform Your Weeknight Dinners

What makes this particular stir fry stand out from countless others? First and foremost, it’s packed with fresh vegetables, juicy chicken, and succulent shrimp that create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The combination of proteins ensures that even the pickiest eaters find something to love – and trust me, the best part for kids is definitely the shrimp!

This recipe serves as the perfect quick and easy meal prep dinner, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when time is scarce but nutrition can’t be compromised. The beauty lies in its versatility and the fact that it’s incredibly kid-friendly while also freezing exceptionally well for future meals.

I’ve always been passionate about loading my stir fries with colorful vegetables, not just because they make the dish visually appealing, but because they significantly boost the nutritional value. The vibrant mix of bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms creates a rainbow of nutrients that supports your family’s health goals without sacrificing taste. Honestly, it’s simply the best approach to weeknight cooking!

Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Experience

While this stir fry is absolutely delicious on its own, the right accompaniment can transform it from a simple dinner into a restaurant-quality meal. The traditional approach involves serving it over steamed white or brown rice, which provides the perfect neutral base that allows the bold flavors of the stir fry to shine through.

However, if you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch things up, consider serving this creation over lo mein noodles. This alternative transforms the dish into an authentic Chinese noodle experience that brings an entirely different dimension to your dinner table. The noodles absorb the savory sauce beautifully, creating a more substantial and satisfying meal that’s perfect for heartier appetites.

Customization Options: Making It Your Own

One of the greatest strengths of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Every family has different preferences, dietary restrictions, and ingredient availability, which is why I’ve developed several substitution options that maintain the dish’s integrity while accommodating various needs.

Vegetarian Transformation: For families following a plant-based diet or looking to incorporate more meatless meals, simply omit both the chicken and shrimp. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to maintain the depth of flavor while keeping the dish completely vegetarian. Consider adding extra mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh to provide additional protein and substance.

Protein Variations: If chicken and shrimp aren’t your preferred combination, thinly sliced beef makes an excellent substitute for the chicken. The cooking method remains essentially the same, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on your preferred level of doneness.

Vegetable Flexibility: Perhaps the most important aspect of customization involves the vegetable selection. Use whatever your family will actually eat! The recipe provides a foundation, but if your children refuse bell peppers or if snap peas aren’t available, substitute with broccoli, zucchini, baby corn, or any other vegetables that appeal to your household. The key is maintaining a variety of textures and colors while ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy the final result.

The Complete Recipe: Step-by-Step Success

Preparation Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4-6 people

Essential Ingredients:

The ingredient list might seem lengthy, but most items are pantry staples or common refrigerator ingredients. You’ll need one tablespoon of vegetable oil for cooking, along with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat cut into half-inch pieces. The vegetable component includes one cup of diced onion, eight ounces of sliced mushrooms, two to three sliced carrots, half each of red and yellow bell peppers (sliced thin), and one to two cups of sugar snap peas.

The sauce combination creates the dish’s signature flavor profile: one tablespoon of sesame oil, half a cup of chicken stock, a quarter cup plus one tablespoon of hoisin sauce, two tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and one teaspoon of powdered ginger. If you prefer a thicker sauce, one tablespoon of cornstarch works perfectly as a thickening agent.

The seafood component requires half a pound of cleaned shrimp (remember to defrost if using frozen), while the garnishes include finely diced scallions and sesame seeds for that authentic finishing touch.

Cooking Process:

Step One – Chicken Preparation: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for six to eight minutes until they develop a light golden-brown color. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside – this prevents overcooking while you prepare the vegetables.

Step Two – Vegetable Foundation: Add the onions, mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas to the same skillet. Cook for approximately five minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crispness. Drizzle the sesame oil over the vegetables and mix thoroughly.

Step Three – Sauce Integration: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and cornstarch until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then slowly pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Bring the entire mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step Four – Shrimp Addition: Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to prevent the sauce from burning. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for approximately five to six minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The shrimp are done when they turn completely pink, and during this step, the sauce should naturally thicken to the perfect consistency.

Step Five – Final Assembly: Mix all ingredients together one final time, ensuring even distribution of the sauce. Garnish generously with finely diced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice for the complete experience.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Success with this recipe comes down to a few crucial details that can make the difference between good and exceptional results. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped before you begin cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly once you start. If using frozen shrimp, always defrost them completely first – this prevents excess water from diluting your carefully crafted sauce.

Don’t overcrowd your pan, as this will cause steaming rather than proper stir-frying. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain the high heat that creates the perfect texture. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning at the end – you might want additional hoisin sauce for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.

This Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry represents everything we want in a weeknight dinner: quick preparation, familiar flavors, nutritious ingredients, and universal appeal. It’s become a cornerstone recipe in our household, and I’m confident it will earn the same status in yours.

Enjoy this delicious journey into easy, healthy family cooking!