Triple Delight Chinese Food Recipe
Craving a flavorful Chinese stir-fry that’s quick, colorful, and brimming with protein? Let me introduce you to my Triple Delight Chinese Food Recipe, a beautiful medley of shrimp, chicken, beef, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. This dish gets its name from the “triple” combination of meats, offering a harmony of textures: the juicy bite of chicken, the tender chew of beef, and the delicate sweetness of shrimp.
It’s the perfect choice when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I love making this recipe on busy weeknights because everything cooks fast, yet the flavors taste like I’ve been in the kitchen all day. Whether you serve it with steaming white rice, fried rice, or even noodles, it’s a complete meal that pleases everyone at the table.
Meat & Seafood Preparation
Preparing the proteins correctly is the secret to getting that tender, flavorful bite in every forkful of Triple Delight. I always start by marinating everything; it infuses the meats and shrimp with flavor while keeping them juicy.
Marinating the Meats & Shrimp
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
Place the chicken slices, beef slices, and shrimp into the bowl. Toss everything well so the marinade coats each piece evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This quick marinade boosts flavor and ensures everything cooks to perfection in the wok.
Vegetable Preparation
Fresh, crisp vegetables bring this dish to life. I like to prep them while the proteins marinate:
- Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
- Slice the red bell pepper thinly for faster cooking.
- Drain and slice water chestnuts if you’re using canned (fresh ones can be peeled and sliced).
Having all your vegetables ready before you start stir-frying makes the cooking process quick and stress-free.
Cooking the Triple Delight
When it comes to stir-frying, high heat is your friend. This method locks in flavor, keeps the vegetables crisp, and gives the meats that slightly caramelized edge.
Step 1 – Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a hot wok. Add the marinated chicken slices and stir-fry until golden and just cooked through (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step 2 – Sear the Beef
Add a little more oil to the wok. Sear the beef slices quickly until browned (about 2 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Shrimp
Add another teaspoon of oil to the wok, then toss in the shrimp. Stir fry until they turn pink and opaque (about 1–2 minutes). Remove and set aside with the chicken and beef.
Step 4 – Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add a final splash of oil to the wok. Stir fry the broccoli, red bell pepper, and water chestnuts for about 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 5 – Combine & Sauce
Return the cooked chicken, beef, and shrimp to the wok. Add the oyster sauce, sesame oil, and any leftover marinade. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until well coated and heated through.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for the ultimate homemade Chinese restaurant experience.
Serving & Decoration
One of the things I love most about Triple Delight is how vibrant and inviting it looks when plated. The glossy sauce, bright vegetables, and mix of proteins make it a visual (and edible) feast.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Steamed Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- With Fried Rice: For a heartier, restaurant-style meal, pair with egg fried rice.
- On Noodles: Toss the Triple Delight into lo mein or chow mein noodles for a comforting stir-fry bowl.
Garnish Ideas
- Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and make the dish pop visually.
- Fresh Scallions: Sprinkle chopped scallions over the top for a burst of freshness.
- Cilantro: A few leaves can give a subtle herbal aroma that pairs surprisingly well with the sauce.
Storage Instructions
While Triple Delight is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.
Refrigeration
- Place cooled leftovers into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat for the best texture (microwaving is fine, but may soften the vegetables).
Freezing
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked Triple Delight.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Store for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a hot wok to revive the flavors and textures.
Triple Delight Chinese Food Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Triple Delight at home, the right tools make all the difference. Here’s what I always have ready:- Wok or Large Skillet – A wok is my go-to because it distributes heat evenly and handles high temperatures perfectly for stir-frying.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for slicing the meats and vegetables thin for quick cooking.
- Mixing Bowls – For marinating the meats separately.
- Tongs or Spatula – For tossing ingredients quickly without overcooking.
FAQ – Triple Delight Chinese Food Recipe
1. What is Triple Delight in Chinese food?
Triple Delight is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry featuring three types of protein, typically shrimp, chicken, and beef, cooked with vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s known for its balanced flavors, tender meats, and vibrant presentation.
2. Can I make Triple Delight without a wok?
Yes! While a wok is ideal for even heat distribution and authentic stir-fry flavor, you can use a large non-stick skillet or stainless steel pan. Just make sure it’s big enough so ingredients cook quickly without steaming.
3. What vegetables work best in Triple Delight?
The classic version uses broccoli, red bell pepper, and water chestnuts. You can also add snow peas, carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms, depending on what you have on hand.
4. Can I make Triple Delight ahead of time?
You can prep and marinate the meats and chop the vegetables in advance, but for the best texture and flavor, cook everything right before serving. Reheated stir fry is still tasty, but vegetables may lose some crispness.
5. Is Triple Delight spicy?
The traditional recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce while stir-frying.
6. What’s the best side dish for Triple Delight?
Steamed white rice is the most common pairing, but it also goes wonderfully with fried rice, lo mein noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Making Triple Delight Chinese Food at home is a rewarding experience that brings together the rich flavors and textures of three different proteins, shrimp, chicken, and beef, in one colorful, mouth-watering stir fry. With crisp vegetables, a savory-sweet sauce, and quick cooking time, this dish easily earns a place in your weeknight rotation or your special occasion menu.
I’ve found that the key to success lies in prepping everything before you start cooking. This way, the high-heat stir-fry method works its magic without overcooking anything. Whether you serve it over fluffy steamed rice, toss it with noodles, or pair it with fried rice, Triple Delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility: swap vegetables for what’s in season, adjust the sauce to your taste, or even spice it up with a touch of chili paste for heat. Every time you make it, you can put your own personal spin on this Chinese restaurant favorite.
So the next time you’re craving that irresistible mix of savory meats, crisp veggies, and glossy sauce, skip the takeout and fire up your wok. Your homemade Triple Delight Chinese Food Recipe will not only match the restaurant version, but it might just beat it.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
