Famous Palace Happiness Four Combinations Recipe

Clean and slice proteins

Pat shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. Trim any connective tissue from scallops. Slice chicken breast and pork tenderloin into thin, bite-size strips (about 1/4-inch thick).

Marinate proteins

Divide the proteins into four bowls or combine all into one large bowl. Add 2 tbs light soy sauce, 1 tbs Shaoxing wine, 1 tbs cornstarch, 1 egg white, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Toss each protein gently to coat and marinate for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. The cornstarch and egg white will give a smooth, slightly velvety texture when cooked.

While proteins marinate, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl whisk together 3 tbs light soy sauce, 2 tbs oyster sauce, 1 tbs Shaoxing wine, 120 ml chicken stock (or water), 1 tbs cornstarch, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp white pepper and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth and no lumps remain. Set aside.

Prepare vegetables: slice carrot on the bias, halve baby corn if needed, trim snap peas, julienne ginger, mince garlic, and cut green onions into 1-inch pieces. Keep vegetables separate from proteins.

Heat the wok

Heat a large wok or wide skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 2 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat.

Cook shrimp and scallops

Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and are nearly cooked through. Remove to a plate. Add 1 tbs oil if needed, then add scallops and sear 1-2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove scallops to the plate with the shrimp.

Cook chicken and pork

Add a little more oil if the wok is dry. Add chicken in a single layer and stir-fry 1.5-2 minutes until about 80% cooked. Remove to the plate. Repeat with pork, stir-frying until about 80% cooked and remove to the plate. Keeping proteins slightly undercooked prevents overcooking when sauce is added.

Stir-fry vegetables

Add remaining 1 tbs oil to the wok, add ginger and garlic and stir 10-15 seconds until fragrant. Add carrot and baby corn first; stir-fry 1 minute. Add snap peas and green onions; stir-fry 30-45 seconds until vegetables are bright and crisp-tender. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.

Combine proteins and sauce

Return all proteins to the wok with the vegetables. Stir briefly to combine (about 30 seconds). Pour the prepared sauce around the edge of the wok and stir gently. Bring to a simmer — sauce will thicken in 30–60 seconds as the cornstarch activates. Toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

Taste and adjust seasoning: if it needs more salt, add a splash of soy; for more sweetness add a pinch of sugar. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for aroma.

Transfer the Famous Palace Happiness Four Combinations to a warm serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with cilantro sprigs if using. Serve immediately with steamed rice.