Sichuan Shrimp with Chili Sauce
Try this Sichuan Shrimp with Chili Sauce recipe.
Try this Sichuan Shrimp with Chili Sauce recipe.
- sauce:
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- other:
- seasonings:
- .
- 6 tbsp oil
- 1 lb large shrimp - not more than 24 to a pound
- 2 tsp. soy sauce
- 2 tsp. shaoxing cooking wine -- ordinary rice wine i but not as good
- 1 tbsp. mashed and finely minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. mashed and finely minced ginger
- 1/2 of a green onion thinly sliced
- 3-6 red hot chili peppers -- genuine tabasco peppers w
- 1 tsp. hot chili paste (optional)
- 1 tbsp shaoxing cooking wine
- vegetables: not essential but a very worthwhile addition:
- 10 spears of asparagus cut off whole tips, 1-inch steep diagonal cut for the stems
- 1 stalk of celery - cut in thin diagonal slices
- 1 good size bamboo shoot - cut in long thin slices t
- dash of toasted sesame oil
- Carbohydrate 18.9271214134001 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 324.235758332823 g
- Fiber 0.251497759450856 g
- Protein 1.31593695266983 g
- Saturated Fat 41.9847497626804 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (862g)
- Sodium 4323.75565377221 mg
- Sugar 18.6756236539493 g
- Trans Fat 15.6193993266893 g
- Calories 2937 calories
Step-by-step
- Boil a quart of water in your wok. Immerse all the veggies and boil rapidly until they reach peak color brightness. Immediately strain out into a bowl and set aside. Or you can do them in your microwave.
- Put 5 tablespoons of oil into wok. Get it smoking hot and stir the shrimp until it is pink and done. This shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes - it all depends on the horsepower of your stove. Put onto plate and discard all excess oil and quickly clean the wok. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in wok. Get it smoking hot and toss in the hot peppers. Cook them for a minute, at most, until you are getting good whiffs of cooking chili. Add the other seasonings and stir for 15-20 seconds.
- Add the sauce and stir to mix. Add back in the shrimp and veggies. Stir until you are sure it is all reheated. Give a quick dash of toasted sesame oil, then a quick stir. Pour it out onto a nice, light colored or glossy black platter, so you can admire the colors.
A Dash of Spice and a Whole Lotta Flavor: My Sichuan Shrimp Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present struggle to get dinner on the table before everyone collapses from hunger. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both quick and impressive, dishes that will satisfy my family's cravings without requiring hours of slaving over a hot stove. This Sichuan Shrimp with Chili Sauce recipe has quickly become a weeknight staple, a testament to the fact that flavorful food doesn't have to be complicated.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a bustling Sichuan street food stall. The fiery kick of the chili peppers dances on your tongue, beautifully balanced by the sweet and savory notes of the sauce. The shrimp, cooked to juicy perfection, absorbs all the delicious flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, leaving behind clean plates and happy smiles. The best part? It's surprisingly simple to make, even on a busy weeknight. I’ve adapted the recipe to fit my own schedule and preferences, using readily available ingredients and streamlining the process to minimize cooking time.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your family's taste. Add more chili peppers for an extra fiery kick, or reduce the amount for a milder flavor. The addition of vegetables adds both nutritional value and a lovely textural contrast. I often use whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand, creating a unique and flavorful dish each time. Asparagus and celery are classics, but broccoli, snap peas, or even bell peppers would work wonderfully. The beauty of cooking lies in the freedom to experiment and personalize recipes to your liking. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity.
The process itself is incredibly straightforward. The key is to get the wok smoking hot, which ensures the shrimp cooks quickly and evenly. This creates a delightful sear on the shrimp, sealing in its juices and enhancing its flavor. Once the shrimp is cooked, the sauce is quickly prepared, combining the sweetness of the sugar and ketchup with the savory depth of soy sauce and ginger. The chili peppers, of course, add a vibrant spark of heat. I've found that preparing the vegetables beforehand, whether by boiling or microwaving, saves valuable time during the cooking process.
This Sichuan Shrimp with Chili Sauce recipe is more than just a delicious meal; it's a testament to the power of simplicity and flavor. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, you can still create a meal that's both satisfying and memorable. The vibrant colors, the tantalizing aromas, and the explosion of flavors on your palate will make this a dish your family will ask for again and again. So, the next time you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and impressive weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
Beyond the simple pleasure of a delicious meal, this recipe also offers a window into a rich culinary tradition. Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and masterful use of spices, is a true testament to the power of food to transport you to another place. Each bite of this shrimp dish is a journey, a small taste of the vibrant culture and culinary artistry that defines Sichuan cooking. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a chance to explore a world of flavors from the comfort of your own kitchen.
And as I always say, cooking should be enjoyable! Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find what works best for you. The kitchen is a place for creativity and self-expression, so let your culinary imagination run wild! This recipe is just a starting point; let your own experiences and tastes guide you to create your own perfect version of this delightful Sichuan Shrimp with Chili Sauce.
