I’ve always loved the vibrant flavors of Sarku Japan, but recreating their dishes at home seemed daunting. That’s why I decided to craft this copycat recipe, bringing your favorite Japanese stir-fry right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mix of red and green)
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Tools and Equipment
To master the Sarku Japan copycat recipe, here are the essential tools and equipment you’ll need:
- Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying to achieve that authentic flavor and texture.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knives: Essential for precise chopping of vegetables and proteins.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurement of sauces and seasonings for balanced flavors.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and flipping ingredients without damaging your cookware.
- Mixing Bowls: Necessary for preparing marinades and holding prepped ingredients before cooking.
- Garlic Press: Makes mincing garlic quick and easy, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Cooking Timer: Helps keep track of cooking times to ensure each component is perfectly cooked.
- Tongs: Useful for handling proteins and vegetables safely while cooking.
- Rice Cooker or Pot: To prepare fluffy rice as a side for your stir-fry.
- Vegetable Peeler: Simplifies the peeling of carrots and other vegetables for uniform slices.
Having these tools on hand will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Prep
Before diving into cooking, I make sure all my ingredients are prepped and ready. Here’s how I prepare the vegetables and protein for this Sarku Japan copycat recipe.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Broccoli: I start by washing 2 cups of broccoli florets under cold water. Then, I trim and cut the stems into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Carrots: Next, I peel 2 medium carrots and slice them thinly on a diagonal. This adds a nice texture and visual appeal to the stir-fry.
- Bell Peppers: I wash 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, remove the seeds and cores, and slice them into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide.
- Onion: I peel and slice 1 medium onion into thin half-moon shapes, which blend seamlessly with the other vegetables.
- Garlic: Finally, I mince 3 cloves of garlic using a garlic press to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Preparing the Protein
- Chicken Breast: I take 1 pound of chicken breast, trim any excess fat, and slice it into thin, bite-sized strips. This ensures quick and even cooking.
- Shrimp: For the shrimp, I peel and devein ½ pound of shrimp if they’re not pre-prepared. To match the size of the chicken pieces, I cut larger shrimp in half.
- Marinating: In a mixing bowl, I combine the sliced chicken and shrimp with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. I mix everything well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Directions
Follow these steps to create a delicious Sarku Japan copycat stir-fry right in your kitchen.
Making the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until the sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of sesame oil if desired for extra depth.
- Set Aside: Pour the sauce mixture into a small bowl and set it aside. This allows the flavors to meld while you cook the ingredients.
Cooking the Ingredients
- Heat the Wok: Place your wok or large skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let it heat until it’s shimmering.
- Cook the Protein: Add the marinated chicken and shrimp to the wok. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the shrimp turns pink. Remove them from the wok and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Toss in the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the wok. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the ingredients. Stir everything together to ensure even coating.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and envelop all the ingredients.
- Serve Hot: Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish and enjoy it over freshly cooked rice.
Assemble and Serve
With all components perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring our Sarku Japan copycat stir-fry together and present it beautifully.
- Combine Proteins and Vegetables
I begin by returning the sautéed chicken and shrimp to the wok with the vibrant vegetables. The aroma is already intoxicating, promising a delightful meal.
- Add the Rich Sauce
I pour the thickened sauce over the mixture, ensuring every piece is generously coated. The sauce glistens, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
- Simmer to Infuse Flavors
I let the stir-fry simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce thickens further, creating a luscious glaze that clings to each ingredient.
- Prepare the Rice Base
While the stir-fry finishes, I fluff the freshly cooked rice with a fork, making it light and airy. The warmth of the rice complements the savory stir-fry perfectly.
- Plate the Dish
I place a generous scoop of rice onto each plate, creating a sturdy base. Then, I elegantly spoon the glossy stir-fry over the rice, showcasing the colorful blend of chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Garnish for a Finishing Touch
To add a touch of sophistication, I sprinkle sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the top. The sesame seeds add a subtle crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve Immediately
I present the dish while it’s steaming hot, allowing the rich aromas to enhance the dining experience. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of tender proteins, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy rice.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing some components of this Sarku Japan copycat recipe ahead of time can streamline your cooking process and make meal times less hectic. Here’s how I like to organize and prep in advance to ensure everything comes together smoothly.
1. Marinate the Proteins Early
I start by marinating the chicken and shrimp to deepen their flavors. In separate bowls, I combine:
- Chicken Breast: 1 pound, thinly sliced
- Shrimp: 1/2 pound, peeled and deveined
For each protein, I add:
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
I mix them well, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the proteins to absorb the savory sauces fully, enhancing the overall taste of the stir-fry.
2. Prep the Vegetables in Advance
Chopping vegetables ahead of time saves significant cooking time. Here’s how I prepare them:
- Broccoli: 2 cups, cut into florets
- Carrots: 1 cup, peeled and sliced
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
I store all the prepped vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures they remain fresh and crisp when it’s time to cook.
3. Make the Sauce Ahead
Creating the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I combine the following ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
I whisk them together until smooth and store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before cooking, I give it a quick stir to ensure everything is well combined.
4. Organize and Store Ingredients
Efficient organization can make the cooking process seamless. Here’s a quick overview of how I store each component:
| Component | Storage Container | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|---|
| Marinated Chicken | Airtight container | Up to 24 hours |
| Marinated Shrimp | Airtight container | Up to 24 hours |
| Chopped Vegetables | Airtight containers | Up to 3 days |
| Prepared Sauce | Sealed container | Up to 3 days |
| Cooked Rice | Airtight container | Up to 3 days |
| Assembled Freeze Bags | Freezer-safe containers | Up to 2 weeks |
5. Cook and Store Rice in Advance
Rice pairs perfectly with stir-fry, and cooking it ahead of time is a game-changer. I use a rice cooker to prepare:
- White Rice: 2 cups, cooked
Once cooked, I let it cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of water and microwave or steam until it’s hot and fluffy.
6. Assemble and Freeze Components (Optional)
For those who prefer meal prepping, assembling the marinated proteins and prepped vegetables into freezer-safe containers is ideal. I layer them carefully and freeze for up to 2 weeks. When ready to cook, I thaw the ingredients overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the stir-frying process. This method ensures you have a delicious meal ready to go with minimal effort.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy a flavorful Sarku Japan-style stir-fry with ease, even on your busiest days.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Sarku Japan copycat stir-fry with these thoughtful serving ideas:
Perfect with Fluffy Rice
Place the vibrant stir-fry over a bed of steaming jasmine or basmati rice. The fluffy grains soak up the savory sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Garnish for Extra Flavor
Top your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. The sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, zesty finish.
Add a Side of Miso Soup
Include a warm bowl of miso soup to complement your meal. The umami-rich broth and soft tofu cubes enhance the overall dining experience, making it more authentic.
Include a Crisp Salad
A light, crisp salad with a tangy ginger dressing pairs wonderfully with the hearty stir-fry. It adds a refreshing contrast and balances the meal.
Beverage Pairings
Enjoy your meal with a cup of green tea or a chilled glass of sake. These beverages cleanse the palate and highlight the dish’s rich flavors.
Presentation Tips
Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients. A warm plate keeps the stir-fry hot and enhances its visual appeal, making the meal even more inviting.
Table: Suggested Side Dishes and Beverages
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Miso Soup | Umami-rich broth with tofu and seaweed |
| Crisp Salad | Fresh greens with tangy ginger dressing |
| Steamed Vegetables | Lightly steamed seasonal vegetables |
| Beverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Green Tea | Traditional Japanese tea, light and refreshing |
| Sake | Japanese rice wine, pairs well with savory dishes |
Conclusion
Bringing the vibrant flavors of Sarku Japan into my own kitchen has been a rewarding experience and I’m excited to share this copycat recipe with you. There’s nothing like enjoying a delicious stir-fry that you crafted yourself with fresh ingredients and a touch of love.
I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment and create your own versions of your favorite dishes. Cooking at home not only gives you control over the ingredients but also allows you to tailor each meal to your taste. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!
