Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1 – Marinate the Meat
- In a bowl, mix chicken, pork, and beef slices with 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tbsp cornstarch, and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Let sit for 15 minutes to tenderize.
Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Proteins
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes, then remove.
- Add another tbsp oil, then stir-fry chicken, pork, and beef slices in batches until browned and just cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 4 – Stir-Fry Vegetables
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in the wok. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Toss in broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, baby corn, snow peas, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 5 – Combine Everything
- Return all cooked proteins to the wok.
- Pour in the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2 minutes until glossy.
Step 6 – Serve
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked Happy Family for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Stir-fry in a wok with a splash of broth to revive sauce.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian “Happy Family”: Replace meats with tofu and extra mushrooms.
Lighter Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce and less sugar.
❓ 10 FAQs
What is “Happy Family” in Chinese restaurants?
A stir-fry dish with a mix of meats, seafood, and vegetables in a savory sauce. Do I need a wok?
No, a large skillet works fine, but a wok distributes heat better. Why add baking soda to meat?
It tenderizes the meat, making it soft like restaurant stir-fries. Can I use different meats?
Yes, chicken and shrimp alone also work. What vegetables can I swap in?
Bok choy, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce. What’s the best rice to serve with this?
Jasmine rice or fried rice pairs perfectly. Can I meal-prep Happy Family?
Yes, but keep proteins and sauce separate until reheating. What if I don’t like oyster sauce?
Substitute with hoisin or teriyaki sauce. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in at the end. 🏁 Conclusion
This Happy Family stir-fry is colorful, hearty, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and crisp vegetables tossed in a glossy oyster-soy sauce, it’s the ultimate family-style dinner. Quick, versatile, and better than takeout, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.
A stir-fry dish with a mix of meats, seafood, and vegetables in a savory sauce. Do I need a wok?
No, a large skillet works fine, but a wok distributes heat better. Why add baking soda to meat?
It tenderizes the meat, making it soft like restaurant stir-fries. Can I use different meats?
Yes, chicken and shrimp alone also work. What vegetables can I swap in?
Bok choy, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce. What’s the best rice to serve with this?
Jasmine rice or fried rice pairs perfectly. Can I meal-prep Happy Family?
Yes, but keep proteins and sauce separate until reheating. What if I don’t like oyster sauce?
Substitute with hoisin or teriyaki sauce. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in at the end. 🏁 Conclusion
This Happy Family stir-fry is colorful, hearty, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and crisp vegetables tossed in a glossy oyster-soy sauce, it’s the ultimate family-style dinner. Quick, versatile, and better than takeout, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.