Hunan Shrimp (Hot and Spicy)
Try this Hunan Shrimp (Hot and Spicy) recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Hunan Shrimp (Hot and Spicy) recipe, or contribute your own.
- for the sauce:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 egg white lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 5 tbsp ketchup
- a pinch of white pepper
- 3 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled, leaving the tail segments intact, and de-veined
- 1 cup peanut oil for frying
- 6 shallots, thinly sliced
- for the shrimp coating:
- 1 tbsp mung bean starch
- 1 tsp sea or kosher salt
- 2 tsp white rice vinegar
- 1 tsp hot pepper oil with pepper flakes (see my szechuan for mild spiciness, plus more to taste
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sea or kosher salt
- Carbohydrate 7.8969809206791 g
- Cholesterol 172.3651006 mg
- Fat 8.80572201589989 g
- Fiber 0.160601241250099 g
- Protein 23.7875317574629 g
- Saturated Fat 1.5280189182072 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (164g)
- Sodium 2317.33581902138 mg
- Sugar 7.736379679429 g
- Trans Fat 0.903321824968363 g
- Calories 220 calories
Step-by-step
- Begin by mixing all of the shrimp coating ingredients in a medium size bowl.
- Add the shrimp, toss or mix by hand to coat.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing all of the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl.
- Set aside.
- Method 1:
- Heat a cup of peanut oil in a wok over high heat to about 300F.
- Add the shrimp, spreading them evenly across the bottom in one layer.
- Fry for 1 minute, until the shrimp starts to turn pink, flip the shrimp and continue cooking for another minute.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the wok and place on a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.
- You may want to do this step in two batches as it will be much easier.
- Pour off the oil form the wok, leaving 3 tablespoons behind.
- Turn the heat to high.
- Add the garlic, the ginger and stir briefly.
- Add the shallots, stir briefly and lower the heat to medium.
- Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shallots are nicely caramelized and soft.
- Return the heat back to high and add the shrimp.
- Drizzle the wine over the shrimp and mix well.
- Stir the sauce, pour it over the shrimp and mix well.
- Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are well-coated and the sauce begins to bubble.
- Method 2:
- Instead of shallow frying the shrimp, we will stir-fry them with just a little bit of oil.
- In a wok, heat three tablespoons of oil over high heat.
- Just as you see a whiff of smoke, add the garlic and the ginger and stir briefly.
- Add the shallots, stir briefly and lower the heat to medium.
- Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shallots are nicely caramelized and soft.
- Turn the heat back to high, add the shrimp, arranging them in a single layer.
- Cook for about 1 minute then flip and continue cooking for another minute or so, until the shrimp is pink on both sides.
- Drizzle the wine over the shrimp and mix well.
- Stir in the sauce, pour it over the shrimp and mix well.
- Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are well-coated and the sauce begins to bubble.
- Final step for both methods:
- Remove the shrimp from heat, transfer to a heated dish, and serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
My Spicy Hunan Shrimp Adventure: A Culinary Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a monumental task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the never-ending to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on flavor or nutrition. That’s where this Hunan Shrimp recipe comes in. It's become a family favorite, a quick and easy meal that packs a flavorful punch and satisfies everyone around the table – even my picky eaters! The vibrant colors, the aromatic spices, and the delightful heat make it a guaranteed mood lifter, a perfect antidote to the everyday grind. The recipe itself is incredibly adaptable; I’ve often substituted ingredients based on what's readily available in my pantry, and the results have always been delicious.
What makes this Hunan Shrimp so special? It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. The shrimp are perfectly cooked – juicy and tender, never rubbery. The sauce is the star of the show; rich and complex, with a delightful kick that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The preparation itself isn't overly complicated, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It can be done in under 30 minutes, leaving me with more time to spend with my family. I’ve discovered this recipe actually creates a fun and interactive cooking experience for my children, allowing them to assist with tasks like mixing the ingredients or setting the table. This adds a wonderful element to family time and teaches essential life skills at the same time. What started as a simple meal, quickly transformed into a precious moment we can share together.
Ingredients: The ingredient list is fairly straightforward, but the quality matters. I always opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp. Don't be afraid to experiment with the spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of hot pepper oil. The beautiful thing about this recipe is its flexibility! Adjust the ingredients to your taste and dietary needs. This recipe makes a wonderful midweek meal, and the leftovers are just as scrumptious the next day.
Cooking the Shrimp: There are two methods provided in the recipe; I personally prefer the stir-fry method, as it's quicker and less messy. However, both methods result in deliciously cooked shrimp. The key is to ensure that the shrimp are cooked through, with a nice pink hue. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery shrimp, so be mindful of your cooking time.
Serving Suggestions: I typically serve this Hunan Shrimp with steamed rice, but it also pairs beautifully with noodles or even a simple salad. The sauce is so flavorful that even a plain side dish is elevated to new heights.
Beyond the Recipe: This Hunan Shrimp recipe is more than just a meal; it's a gateway to a broader culinary exploration. It's an invitation to experiment with flavors, to personalize recipes to fit your tastes and preferences. It's about making food fun and enjoyable, even on the busiest of days. It represents a commitment to nourishing my family with healthy, delicious, and comforting meals, even when time is at a premium.
So, next time you're looking for a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal, give this Hunan Shrimp recipe a try. I'm confident it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, as it has in mine. The blend of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the satisfying result make it a winner in my book. And the best part? The satisfied smiles on my family's faces as they savor every bite. That, more than anything, makes it worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
