There’s nothing quite like savoring a favorite dish from Zing Zang Oyster House, but sometimes it’s hard to visit every time the craving strikes. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Zing Zang copycat recipe with you. I’ve spent hours perfecting this dish to mirror the bold flavors and delightful textures that make Zing Zang a standout.
Ingredients
I’ve meticulously gathered these ingredients to capture the essence of Zing Zang’s signature dish. Here’s what you’ll need to bring the flavors to your kitchen:
Main Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound scallops, cleaned
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Batter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
For Frying
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Tools and Equipment
To replicate the bold flavors of Zing Zang Oyster House at home, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Chef’s Knife
A sharp, high-quality chef’s knife is crucial for efficiently prepping proteins and vegetables.
- Cutting Board
A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls
Multiple sizes of mixing bowls are useful for preparing the batter and tossing the vegetables.
- Whisk
A good whisk helps combine the batter ingredients smoothly, ensuring a light and crispy coating.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key to balancing flavors in the sauce and batter.
- Large Skillet or Wok
A heavy-bottomed skillet or wok ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when frying the ingredients.
- Tongs or Spatula
These tools are necessary for flipping and stirring the proteins and vegetables without breaking them apart.
- Wire Rack and Baking Sheet
A wire rack set over a baking sheet allows excess oil to drain from fried items, keeping them crispy.
- Small Saucepan
Use a small saucepan to prepare the flavorful sauce that ties all the components together.
- Paper Towels
Essential for draining excess oil from fried proteins and vegetables, ensuring the dish isn’t greasy.
- Baking Thermometer
Maintaining the correct oil temperature is vital for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing parts of the Zing Zang Copycat Recipe in advance can save time and enhance flavors. Here’s how I make it ahead of time:
- Prepare the Proteins
- Shrimp and Scallops:
- Peel and devein the shrimp.
- Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Chop the Vegetables
- Slice red and green bell peppers into strips.
- Slice onions into thin wedges.
- Store vegetables in separate containers to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.
- Make the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk in eggs and cold water until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate the batter overnight to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, Sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch.
- Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Organize Your Tools and Ingredients
- Ensure all necessary tools are clean and ready.
- Arrange prepped ingredients for easy access during cooking.
Storage Details
| Component | Preparation Steps | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp and Scallops | Peel, devein, dry, and store in airtight container. | Up to 24 hours in refrigerator |
| Chicken | Cut into pieces, season, and cover. | Up to 24 hours in refrigerator |
| Vegetables | Slice bell peppers and onions. | Up to 2 days in refrigerator |
| Batter | Mix ingredients, cover, and refrigerate. | Up to 24 hours |
| Sauce | Combine ingredients, cook lightly, cool, and store. | Up to 3 days |
When you’re ready to cook, simply heat your skillet or wok, fry the proteins until crispy, sauté the vegetables, and combine everything with the prepared sauce. This make-ahead approach ensures a smooth and delicious cooking experience.
Directions
Let me guide you through each step to recreate this delicious Zing Zang dish at home. Follow these directions to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Prep
- Prepare the Proteins
- Shrimp: Peel and devein 1 pound of shrimp, leaving tails on for presentation. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Scallops: Trim and clean 1 pound of sea scallops. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure a good sear.
- Chicken: Cut 1 pound of boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables
- Slice 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper into thin strips.
- Dice 1 large onion into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Make the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, and 2 large eggs. Whisk until smooth.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir until well combined.
- Set Up Cooking Stations
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F using a baking thermometer.
- Arrange wire racks and baking sheets ready for draining fried proteins.
Cook
- Fry the Proteins
- Dip each piece of shrimp, scallop, and chicken into the batter, ensuring an even coat.
- Carefully place the coated proteins into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes for shrimp and scallops, and 5-6 minutes for chicken.
- Use tongs to remove the fried proteins and place them on the wire racks to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Heat the prepared sauce mixture in the small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet or wok, add a tablespoon of oil if needed.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers and stir-fry until tender-crisp, approximately 3 minutes.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine.
Assemble
- Combine Proteins and Sauce
- Add the fried shrimp, scallops, and chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce.
- Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve
- Transfer the Zing Zang mixture to a serving platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade Zing Zang Copycat dish with steamed rice or your favorite side.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your homemade Zing Zang Copycat dish with these delicious accompaniments:
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Fluffy steamed jasmine rice provides the perfect base, soaking up the rich and tangy sauce while offering a subtle aroma that complements the bold flavors of the Zing Zang.
Crispy Egg Rolls
Add a crunchy contrast with crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables and your choice of protein. They’re perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Asian Slaw
A refreshing Asian slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing adds a vibrant crunch and balances the savory notes of the dish.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Brighten your plate with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Their freshness and crisp texture pair wonderfully with the tender proteins in the Zing Zang.
Spring Rolls
Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh herbs and vegetables offer a delightful appetizer or side, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal.
Extra Zing Zang Sauce
For those who crave more sauce, serve extra Zing Zang sauce on the side. Drizzle it over your rice or vegetables to intensify the dish’s signature tangy and savory profile.
Steamed Broccoli
Simple steamed broccoli provides a healthy and colorful side that complements the rich flavors of the main dish without overpowering them.
Pickled Vegetables
Introduce a tangy kick with pickled vegetables like daikon or cucumbers. Their acidity cuts through the richness of the Zing Zang, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can create a well-rounded and memorable dining experience that highlights the exceptional flavors of your Zing Zang Copycat recipe.
Conclusion
Making this Zing Zang Copycat recipe has been such a fun adventure for me. I love how bringing these bold flavors into my kitchen makes dining at home feel special. Seeing everyone’s smiles when they taste it is priceless. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring this dish as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients to match your taste. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade Zing Zang feast!
