Happy Family is a popular and intriguing delicacy renowned for its diverse ingredients in Chinese cuisine. Contrary to its moniker, Happy Family is a mixture of meats, seafood, and vegetables cooked in a delicious savory sauce. This article, will explain what is in happy family Chinese Food.
What Exactly Is The Happy Family Stir Fry?
Happy Family is a Chinese dish with meat and fresh vegetables in a light brown sauce. Typically, the meat is poultry, beef, or pork, and the seafood is shrimp. This combination of meats is a favorite on delivery menus because it contains a substantial amount of protein.
In addition, fresh vegetables are abundant, so this appears to be the healthier option.
Why Is It Called Happy Family?
This delectable Chinese stir fry was given its name because it contains so many different ingredients. I do not know if this is true, but it makes logic if it is. I also adore its whimsical nature.
It is difficult to photograph the tenderness of the meat in this joyful family stir fry. But I’m sure you’ve all had similar meat before. It is the extremely tender flesh you receive when ordering takeout. Tell me I’m not the only one who enjoys tender, soft, juicy flesh, even when reheated for breakfast.
What Is In Happy Family Chinese Food?
1. Proteins
- Shrimp: Large, succulent prawns are a popular and delicious ingredient. They have a delicate seafood flavor and a satisfying consistency.
- Beef: Typically flank steak or sirloin, sliced beef adds a meaty and delectable element to the dish.
- Chicken: Sliced chicken breast or thigh flesh provides a tender and mild source of protein.
- Pork: Some versions of Happy Family contain thinly cut pork, which can be flavorful and tender.
- Scallops: Scallops are sometimes included in seafood dishes for those who appreciate their delicate, sweet flavor and succulent texture.
- Lobster: Lobster meat may be used in more upscale preparations, elevating the cuisine to a luxurious level.
2. Vegetables
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a staple vegetable in the Happy Family, with its florets providing a vibrant green hue and a slight texture.
- Bell Peppers: Red, green, and yellow bell peppers are frequently sliced and added for their visual allure and mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sliced or whole mushrooms, such as button or shiitake, add umami richness and a gratifying texture.
- Snow Peas: With their crispness and moderate sweetness, snow peas provide a refreshing crunch.
- Baby Corn: Baby corn cobs, whether whole or split, are a popular option due to their distinctive appearance and subtle sweetness.
- Carrots: Carrots are sliced or julienned for their vibrant color and sweet, vegetal flavor.
- Water Chestnuts: Sliced water chestnuts are frequently used to add a grainy texture layer.
- Bamboo Shoots: Because of their neutral, absorbent flavor, sliced bamboo shoots are used to balance and complement other ingredients.
3. Other Ingredients
- Garlic and Ginger: Garlic and ginger are essential aromatics that impart a robust and savory flavor to the cuisine. They are typically chopped and stir-fried with proteins and vegetables.
- Scallions: As a garnish, chopped scallions impart a mild, onion-like flavor and add a splash of color.
- Soy Sauce: Typically, the sauce for Happy Family is composed of soy sauce, which provides a savory and umami base for the dish.
4. Sauce
The sauce in Happy Family is a crucial component, drawing together all the other ingredients. Typically, it is comprised of soy sauce, oyster sauce, poultry or vegetable broth, hoisin sauce, and sugar or honey for sweetness. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving the proteins and vegetables a flavorful, lustrous coating.
5. Optional Additions
Depending on the composition and the individual’s tastes, additional ingredients such as baby bok choy, bean sprouts, or nuts such as cashews or almonds may be added for enhanced flavor and texture.
Tips For Making This Chinese Happy Family Stir Fry Recipe
This recipe has been tested at least three times to assure its success. Check out our suggestions for obtaining the finest dish possible!
- Cut the meat against the grain and marinate it in baking soda (see images above for more information).
- Prepare the vegetables and garlic before beginning to cook. Chinese stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so you must have all your ingredients available.
- Before you begin preparing, combine the ingredients for the sauce, but whisk it thoroughly before adding it to the pan.
- You don’t want to overcook the meat or vegetables; you want everything to be tender and just cooked.
- For the greatest heat, use a skillet or fry pan with a flat bottom (see explanation above).
- Invest in two excellent Chinese ingredients (available at grocery stores and online) for a truly authentic flavor. This will make every difference.
Happy Family is a dish worth savoring for its delightful medley of flavors and representation of the richness of Chinese culinary traditions, regardless of whether you are a devotee of Chinese cuisine or a curious food explorer.
Read More: Baked Salmon With Soy Sauce And Garlic