If you're a fan of spicy food and love seafood, then you're in for a treat with this Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry recipe. This dish is perfect for those who want to add a little heat to their meals without sacrificing flavour. It's quick and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for a casual weeknight dinner.
The ingredients used in this recipe are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store. You'll need shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, cornstarch, and chili flakes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add other seafood such as squid or scallops to the mix. The key to this dish is to make sure you have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Once you've got all of your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. The preparation process is quick and easy, and the cooking time is just a few minutes. The result is a delicious, spicy, and flavourful stir fry that's sure to impress. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Key Takeaways
- This Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry recipe is perfect for those who love spicy food and seafood.
- The ingredients used in this recipe are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.
- This dish is quick and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for a casual weeknight dinner.
Ingredients Breakdown
When it comes to making a Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry, the right ingredients can make all the difference. Here's a breakdown of the key components you'll need to create a delicious and authentic stir fry.
Shrimp Selection
The star of the dish is, of course, the shrimp. For the best results, we recommend using fresh, large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Prawns or other types of seafood can also be used, depending on your preference.
Vegetable Choices
The vegetables you choose to include in your stir fry can vary depending on your personal taste. Some popular options include bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, and carrots. You can also add some extra heat with sliced chilli peppers.
Sauce Components
The sauce is what brings all the flavours together in a Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry. A classic combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger is a great place to start. You can also add some sweetness with honey or brown sugar, and some tanginess with rice vinegar.
Additional Flavours
To add some extra depth to your stir fry, you can experiment with different herbs and spices. Sesame oil is a popular choice, as it adds a nutty flavour and aroma. You can also try adding some chilli garlic sauce for an extra kick.
Overall, the key to a great Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and experiment with different flavour combinations until you find the perfect balance.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
When it comes to the caloric content of this Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry recipe, it is important to note that the number of calories will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size used. However, shrimp is a low-calorie seafood option that is high in protein and low in fat. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains approximately 84 calories.
Macronutrients Profile
Shrimp is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains approximately 18 grams of protein. Shrimp is also low in fat, with only 1 gram of fat per 3-ounce serving.
In terms of other macronutrients, shrimp is low in carbohydrates, with only 1 gram of carbohydrates per 3-ounce serving. Shrimp is also low in cholesterol, with only 166 milligrams of cholesterol per 3-ounce serving. Additionally, shrimp is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to numerous health benefits.
When it comes to sodium, it is important to note that the soy sauce used in this recipe may contribute to the overall sodium content. It is recommended to use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the amount of sodium in the dish.
If you prefer to use other seafood options in this recipe, you can try using scallops, squid, or mussels. These seafood options are also low in calories and high in protein, making them a great addition to this spicy stir fry dish.
Preparation Techniques
Preparing the ingredients is crucial for making a delicious spicy shrimp stir fry. Here are some tips to help you prepare the ingredients for your recipe.
Shrimp Cleaning
To clean the shrimp, remove the head and the shell. You can also remove the tail, but it's optional. Devein the shrimp by using a toothpick to carefully expose and pull out the vein without damaging the shell. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly, drain, and pat dry with a paper towel.
Vegetable Cutting
Cut the vegetables into small, even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Green onions are a common ingredient in Chinese stir-fry dishes and can be cut into thin slices. Other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli can be cut into small pieces or thin strips.
Stir Fry Basics
To make a perfect stir-fry, use a wok or a large frying pan. Heat the pan over high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Add the vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they are cooked but still crisp. Return the shrimp to the pan and add your sauce. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch, and cook until everything is coated.
If you want to add more seafood to your dish, try using scallops or squid. Both of these seafood options work well in stir-fry dishes and can be prepared in a similar way to shrimp.
Cooking the Stir Fry
When it comes to making a Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry, cooking the stir fry is the most important step. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect dish.
Working with High Heat
To get that restaurant-quality stir fry, you need to work with high heat. This means having your wok or pan preheated to a high temperature before adding any ingredients. Peanut oil is a great oil to use for stir frying as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.
Layering Flavours
To make your stir fry really pop, it's important to layer flavours. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in the hot oil until fragrant. Then add your shrimp and cook until they are pink and slightly crispy. Next, add your vegetables and any other aromatics like scallions or chilli peppers. Finally, add your sauce, which can include ingredients like soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame seeds.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
The key to a great stir fry is achieving the perfect texture. You want your shrimp to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To achieve this, make sure your shrimp are dry before adding them to the pan. You can also coat them in cornstarch to help them crisp up.
If you're looking to mix things up, consider using other types of seafood in your stir fry. Scallops, squid, and even lobster can all be used in place of shrimp for a delicious twist. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
By following these tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry that's sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Chinese spicy shrimp stir fry is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. One classic option is to serve it with steamed rice. Jasmine rice is a popular choice, but brown rice or even quinoa could be used for a healthier option. The rice will help to balance the spiciness of the shrimp and provide a neutral base for the dish.
Another option is to serve the shrimp with noodles. Egg noodles or rice noodles would work well. You could also try serving it with udon noodles or soba noodles for a Japanese twist. For a complete meal, you could add some vegetables to the noodles, such as snow peas or bell peppers.
Garnishing Tips
A simple way to garnish the dish is to sprinkle some chopped green onion over the top. This will add some colour and freshness to the dish. Another option is to add some chopped cilantro. This will add a bright, fresh flavour to the dish.
For a more sophisticated garnish, you could sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the top. This will add a nutty flavour and some crunch to the dish. You could also try adding some sliced red chilli for some extra heat.
If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you could try adding some scallops or mussels. These will add some additional texture and flavour to the dish. However, make sure to cook them separately and add them to the dish at the end to avoid overcooking them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to get a good sear on shrimp for a stir fry?
To get a good sear on shrimp for a stir fry, make sure your pan is hot before adding the shrimp. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola oil or peanut oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and let them cook undisturbed for about a minute. Then, flip them over and cook for another minute or until they are pink and slightly charred.
Can you suggest some vegetables that pair well with spicy shrimp in a stir fry?
There are many vegetables that pair well with spicy shrimp in a stir fry. Some good options include bell peppers, onions, broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, and baby corn. You can also add some chopped garlic and ginger for extra flavour.
How do I make a spicy sauce for a shrimp stir fry that's got a proper kick to it?
To make a spicy sauce for a shrimp stir fry, start with a base of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar. Then, add some heat with chili flakes, chili paste, or fresh chili peppers. You can also add some sesame oil and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
What are some tips for cooking shrimp with noodles to keep them from going soggy?
To keep shrimp and noodles from going soggy, cook them separately and then combine them at the end. Cook the shrimp in a hot pan with some oil until they are pink and slightly charred. Cook the noodles separately according to the package instructions. Then, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the noodles to the pan with the shrimp and toss everything together with your sauce of choice.
What's the secret to perfectly fluffy rice to serve with a spicy shrimp stir fry?
To make perfectly fluffy rice, start by rinsing the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, add the rice and water to a pot in a 1:2 ratio (one cup of rice to two cups of water). Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the rice for 18-20 minutes, then remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
How can I modify a spicy shrimp stir fry to include chicken without losing the flavour?
To modify a spicy shrimp stir fry to include chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into small pieces. Cook the chicken in the same way as the shrimp, adding it to the pan after the vegetables are cooked. Make sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. You can also use a combination of shrimp and chicken for added flavour and texture.