Learn how to cook mixed seafood with oyster sauce - a tantalizing dish that combines mussels, squid, and shrimp in a savory twist. Elevate your culinary skills with this delightful recipe and impress your taste buds. Dive into a flavorful adventure with fresh seafood, aromatic ingredients, and the rich umami of oyster sauce. Master the art of creating a seafood extravaganza in your kitchen and enjoy the journey of flavors that will take you straight to the ocean's depths.
Introduction:
Welcome to our culinary adventure where we dive into the world of flavors with a tantalizing dish: Mixed Seafood with Oyster Sauce. Bursting with lip-smacking goodness, this recipe combines the ocean's finest treasures - mussels, squid, shrimp - with a savory twist of oyster sauce. Get ready to impress your taste buds and become the seafood maestro in your kitchen!
1: Gathering the Ingredients
To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients: 0.5 kg of mussels, 0.5 kg of squid, 0.5 kg of shrimp, 4 tbsp of vegetable oil, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 onion, 1 stalk of celery, 1 red bell pepper, 6 tbsp of oyster sauce, 0.25 tsp of freshly ground pepper, 2 tbsp of cornstarch, and 1 stalk of scallion. Having everything prepared and organized upfront will ensure a smooth sailing cooking experience.
2: Preparing the Seafood
Begin by cleaning the mussels. Rinse them under cold water and discard any that remain open. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the mussels until they open. Once cooked, set them aside. Next, clean the squid by removing the internal organs, quill, and skin. Cut the squid into rings and set aside. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Pat them dry, and your seafood is ready to shine!
3: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat 4 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden and aromatic. Now, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent. The combination of garlic and onion will fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma, awakening your appetite.
4: Adding the Crunch and Colors
To give our dish a delightful crunch and vibrant colors, it's time to add the ingredients that bring life to this recipe. Slice the celery into thin strips and add it to the wok along with the diced red bell pepper. Keep stir-frying until the vegetables turn slightly tender while maintaining their bright colors. The visual appeal of this mixed seafood dish is as important as its taste.
5: Cooking the Squid and Shrimp
Increase the heat to high and add the squid rings into the wok. Cook them for a few minutes until they turn opaque and tender. Following that, add the peeled shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Squid and shrimp cooked to perfection will provide a wonderful texture that will elevate the overall dish.
6: Elevating with Oyster Sauce
Time to introduce the star of our show - oyster sauce. Pour about 6 tbsp of oyster sauce into the wok and stir well, making sure it coats all the seafood and vegetables evenly. The umami-rich oyster sauce adds a depth of savory flavor that brings the dish to a whole new level. Let everything simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7: Thickening the Sauce
To achieve the perfect consistency, mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the wok and stir gently. The sauce will gradually thicken, coating each piece of seafood in a luscious glaze. Keep stirring until the desired thickness is achieved, ensuring a velvety finish.
8: Final Touches and Garnish
Season the dish with 0.25 tsp of freshly ground pepper for an added kick. To bring a refreshing note, sprinkle some thinly sliced scallions over the top. The vibrant green scallions not only enhance the appearance but also add a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
9: Serving the Delightful Creation
Now that your mixed seafood with oyster sauce is ready, it's time to plate up. Transfer the dish to a serving platter, allowing the colors and textures to impress your guests. This sensational medley of flavors deserves to be the centerpiece of your dining table. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
10: Enjoying the Journey
As you savor each succulent bite of the mixed seafood with oyster sauce, let yourself be transported to the seaside, where the waves crash and the flavors explode. Appreciate the marriage of seafood and oyster sauce dancing in perfect harmony on your palate. This dish encapsulates the essence of culinary creativity, inviting you to explore and find joy in transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary creations.
