Guangdong Seafood Stir-Fry
Introduction to Guangdong Seafood Stir-Fry
The Guangdong Seafood Stir-Fry is a beautiful representation of Cantonese cuisine, which emphasizes freshness, minimal seasoning, and the natural flavors of the ingredients. This dish is a vibrant medley of succulent shrimp, delicate scallops, and tender squid, all harmonized with crisp vegetables and a lightly savory sauce. It originates from the Guangdong province in Southern China, home to a rich culinary tradition renowned for its seafood dishes.
The History of Guangdong Cuisine
Guangdong, also known as Canton, has historically been a major port region. Its proximity to the sea has heavily influenced its local cuisine, with seafood being a staple in many traditional dishes. Over centuries, Cantonese chefs have perfected the art of stir-frying to preserve the taste, texture, and color of the ingredients, resulting in light yet flavorful dishes like the Guangdong Seafood Stir-Fry.
Ingredients
- Shrimp - 300g, peeled and deveined
- Scallops - 200g
- Squid - 200g, cleaned and cut into rings
- Red bell pepper - 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper - 1, sliced
- Broccoli florets - 200g
- Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
- Salt - To taste
- White pepper - To taste
Preparation
1. Preparing the Seafood
Begin by cleaning and preparing your seafood. Ensure the shrimp are completely peeled and deveined. The scallops should be rinsed under cold water and patted dry. As for the squid, make sure it is cleaned and sliced into uniform rings. This will ensure even cooking.
2. Preparing the Vegetables
Slice the red and green bell peppers into thin strips and separate the broccoli into small florets. Mince the ginger and garlic, which will be used for seasoning.
3. Sauce Preparation
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to create a silky smooth sauce.
Cooking Process
Heat the Wok
Place a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat, and add the vegetable oil. Allow it to heat up until it starts shimmering.
Cook the Seafood
Add the shrimp, scallops, and squid to the wok. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the bell peppers and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Combine Seafood and Vegetables
Return the cooked seafood to the wok. Add the prepared sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the seafood and vegetables. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season
Finish by drizzling sesame oil over the stir-fry, and season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Guangdong Seafood Stir-Fry is delightful on its own but pairs exceptionally well with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice to soak up its delicate sauce. For an authentic experience, serve with a side of Chinese tea, which complements the flavors beautifully.