Simple Chinese shrimp recipes are great for times when you want to prepare a fast and tasty meal that is satisfying and full of flavour. Shrimp is a flexible ingredient that can be prepared in various ways, making it perfect for trying out new things in the kitchen. Whether you like your shrimp sautéed, fried, or mixed in a stir-fry, there are many easy Chinese shrimp recipes available to match your preferences.
When selecting your shrimp, it's important to look for fresh, high-quality seafood to ensure the best possible flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using other types of seafood in your recipes, such as scallops or prawns. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times and techniques accordingly to ensure that your seafood is cooked through and safe to eat.
In this article, we'll take you through some essential ingredients and substitutions, cooking techniques, and recipe walkthroughs for easy Chinese shrimp recipes that you can make at home. We'll also provide you with some serving and pairing suggestions, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about cooking with shrimp.
Selecting Your Shrimp
When it comes to selecting shrimp for your Chinese recipes, you have two options: fresh or frozen. Each has its own benefits, and it's important to choose the right one for your dish.
Fresh Vs Frozen Shrimp
Fresh shrimp is always a great option if it's available to you. It has a sweet, delicate flavour and a firm texture that makes it perfect for stir-fries and other Chinese dishes. However, it can be difficult to find fresh shrimp that is truly fresh, especially if you don't live near the coast.
Frozen shrimp is a convenient option that is available year-round. It's also often less expensive than fresh shrimp, making it a great choice if you're on a budget. Frozen shrimp can be just as delicious as fresh shrimp if it's properly thawed and cooked. When selecting frozen shrimp, look for packages that are tightly sealed and free of ice crystals.
Prawn Preparation
Before using your shrimp in your Chinese recipe, you'll need to prepare them. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. If you're using fresh shrimp, make sure to remove the heads and tails as well. If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.
Once your shrimp are prepared, you can use them in a variety of Chinese recipes. Consider using other types of seafood as well, such as scallops or squid, to add even more flavour and texture to your dishes. When selecting additional seafood, make sure to choose options that are fresh or frozen and of high quality.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutions
Garlic and Ginger Essentials
Garlic and ginger are essential ingredients in Chinese cuisine, and they add a unique flavour to shrimp dishes. Fresh garlic and ginger are recommended, but if you don't have them, you can use garlic and ginger paste or powder.
To use fresh garlic, peel the cloves and finely chop them. For ginger, peel the skin and grate it. You can also slice it into thin strips or chop it finely. If you are using garlic or ginger paste or powder, use 1 teaspoon for every clove or inch of fresh garlic or ginger.
Sauce Variations
To create authentic Chinese flavours, you will need essential sauces such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. These sauces can be found in most Asian supermarkets or online. You can also substitute some of these sauces with other sauces or spices, depending on your taste preferences.
For example, if you don't have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or fish sauce. If you want a spicy flavour, you can add chili sauce or chili flakes. If you want a tangy flavour, you can add rice vinegar or lime juice.
If you want to add seafood to your shrimp dish, you can use scallops, squid, or crab meat. Scallops and squid have a similar texture to shrimp, while crab meat adds a sweet flavour to the dish. Make sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Remember, the key to a delicious Chinese shrimp dish is to balance the flavours of the ingredients and sauces. Experiment with different ingredients and sauces to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Cooking Techniques
When it comes to Chinese shrimp recipes, there are a variety of cooking techniques that you can use to achieve the perfect dish. Here are two popular techniques that you can try:
Stir-Frying on High Heat
One of the most popular cooking techniques for Chinese shrimp recipes is stir-frying on high heat. This method involves cooking the shrimp quickly in a wok or skillet over high heat. To do this, you'll need to heat up your wok or skillet until it's smoking hot, then add some cooking oil and your shrimp. Make sure to continuously stir the shrimp to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Stir-frying is a great way to cook shrimp because it allows you to cook them quickly and evenly, while also giving them a nice sear. This method works well for dishes like Kung Pao shrimp, shrimp fried rice, and shrimp and broccoli.
Marinating for Flavour
Another great technique for Chinese shrimp recipes is marinating. Marinating involves soaking the shrimp in a mixture of ingredients to infuse them with flavour. To marinate shrimp, simply mix together your desired ingredients (such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil) and let the shrimp soak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Marinating is a great way to add flavour to your shrimp, especially if you're using a simple recipe like shrimp fried rice or shrimp lo mein. Just make sure not to marinate the shrimp for too long, as the acid in the marinade can break down the shrimp and make them tough.
When it comes to seafood, shrimp is a great option for Chinese recipes. However, you can also try using other types of seafood like scallops, squid, or mussels to mix things up. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and technique accordingly.
Recipe Walkthrough
If you're looking for easy Chinese shrimp recipes, you're in luck! Here are three simple recipes that you can make at home in no time. Each recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Kung Pao Shrimp
Kung Pao Shrimp is a spicy and savory dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. This recipe is quick and easy to make, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish. To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp (you can use any type of shrimp you like)
- Red bell pepper
- Green bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Peanuts
- Dried red chili peppers
To make this dish, start by cooking the shrimp in a wok or large skillet until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Next, cook the peppers, onion, and garlic until they are tender. Add the shrimp back into the pan with the vegetables, along with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir everything together until the sauce has thickened and the shrimp is coated. Finally, add in the peanuts and dried red chili peppers for a bit of crunch and heat.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice is a classic Chinese dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp (you can use any type of shrimp you like)
- Cooked white rice
- Carrots
- Peas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Eggs
- Sesame oil
To make this dish, start by cooking the shrimp in a wok or large skillet until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Next, cook the carrots, peas, onion, and garlic until they are tender. Add the cooked rice into the pan with the vegetables, along with the soy sauce and eggs. Stir everything together until the eggs are cooked and the rice is coated with the sauce. Finally, drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the top of the dish for added flavor.
Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. This recipe takes only 20 minutes to make and is sure to impress. To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp (you can use any type of shrimp you like)
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
To make this dish, start by cooking the shrimp in a wok or large skillet until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Next, cook the broccoli and carrots until they are tender. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan with the vegetables, along with the garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir everything together until the sauce has thickened and the shrimp is coated. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Seafood can be a great addition to these recipes. If you want to add more seafood, try adding scallops or crab meat to the Kung Pao Shrimp recipe. For the Shrimp Fried Rice recipe, you can add in some chopped clams or mussels. And for the Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry, you can add in some squid or octopus for a bit of variety.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Accompanying Dishes
When it comes to serving your Chinese shrimp dish, there are a variety of accompaniments and side dishes that can complement the flavours of the shrimp. One classic option is to serve your shrimp dish with steamed jasmine rice, which will help to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can also serve your shrimp with egg rolls, which make for a tasty and satisfying appetizer.
If you're looking for something a bit more substantial, shrimp wonton soup is a great option. This classic Chinese soup is made with wontons filled with shrimp and pork, and is served in a savoury broth. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
When it comes to pairing your Chinese shrimp dish with a beverage, there are a few options to consider. If you're looking for something light and refreshing, a cold beer is always a great choice. Alternatively, you can also pair your shrimp dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a cup of hot green tea is a great option. Green tea has a light, refreshing flavour that pairs well with the delicate flavours of shrimp. If you're looking for something a bit sweeter, you can also try serving your shrimp dish with a glass of iced tea.
Propose the use of seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable. Be specific about the type(s) of seafood that can be used for cooking if you propose seafood to be used. If you want to add more seafood to your shrimp dish, you can try adding some scallops or mussels. These seafood options pair well with shrimp and can add an extra layer of flavour to your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to making tender shrimp like in Chinese restaurants?
The secret to making tender shrimp like in Chinese restaurants is to not overcook them. Shrimp only take a few minutes to cook, so be sure to keep an eye on them. Also, marinating the shrimp in a mixture of cornstarch, egg white, and salt for 15-20 minutes before cooking can help to tenderize them.
Can you recommend a simple Chinese shrimp stir-fry with veggies?
Sure, a simple Chinese shrimp stir-fry with veggies is shrimp stir-fry with garlic and ginger. It's a quick and easy recipe that only takes 15 minutes to prepare. Simply stir-fry the shrimp with garlic and ginger, then add in your favourite veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas.
How do I whip up a quick shrimp dish with rice, Chinese-style?
To whip up a quick shrimp dish with rice, Chinese-style, try making shrimp fried rice. It's a classic Chinese dish that's easy to make at home. Simply stir-fry cooked rice with shrimp, eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil for that authentic Chinese flavour.
What's a tasty Chinese shrimp recipe with a lip-smacking sauce?
A tasty Chinese shrimp recipe with a lip-smacking sauce is Kung Pao shrimp. This dish is spicy, sweet, and savoury all at once. It's made with shrimp, garlic, ginger, peanuts, and dried chillies, all stir-fried in a flavourful sauce.
What are some healthy yet delicious Asian shrimp dishes?
Some healthy yet delicious Asian shrimp dishes include shrimp and vegetable stir-fry, shrimp summer rolls, and shrimp and broccoli stir-fry. These dishes are all low in calories and packed with flavour.
Got any tips for a spicy shrimp dish with that Asian twist?
For a spicy shrimp dish with that Asian twist, try making Szechuan shrimp. This dish is made with shrimp, Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and dried chillies. It's spicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. You can also add in some veggies like bell peppers and onions for extra crunch.
Remember, you can always substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops, squid, or mussels for a different twist on these recipes.