If you're a seafood lover, you may want to try making a classic Chinese dish called drunken shrimp. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also easy to make at home. The recipe involves marinating fresh shrimp in Chinese rice wine and other seasonings, then cooking them until they're tender and juicy.
Drunken shrimp is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. It's believed to have originated in the Shaoxing region of Zhejiang province, where rice wine is a popular ingredient in cooking. The dish is typically served as an appetiser or as part of a larger meal, and it's often accompanied by other seafood dishes.
To make drunken shrimp, you'll need fresh shrimp, Chinese rice wine, ginger, and other seasonings. You can also add other seafood like scallops or clams to the dish if you prefer. The preparation process involves marinating the shrimp in the wine and seasonings for a few hours, then cooking them until they're tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for entertaining guests or for a special dinner at home.
Key Takeaways
- Drunken shrimp is a traditional Chinese dish that's easy to make at home.
- The dish involves marinating fresh shrimp in Chinese rice wine and other seasonings.
- You can add other seafood like scallops or clams to the dish for added flavour.
History and Origin
Drunken shrimp is a popular Chinese seafood dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in the Zhejiang province, located in eastern China. The dish is also commonly known as drunken prawns and is often served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
Regional Variations
Drunken shrimp is a dish that has evolved over time and has many regional variations. In Hong Kong, for example, the dish is often served with soy sauce and scallions, while in Singapore, it is often served with garlic and chilli. In Shanghai, the dish is often served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Traditional Methods
The traditional method of preparing drunken shrimp involves marinating the live shrimp in a mixture of Chinese rice wine, ginger, and sugar. The shrimp are then quickly boiled in the marinade until they turn pink. The dish is often served with the marinade as a dipping sauce.
To prepare the dish, you will need fresh shrimp. While the traditional method calls for live shrimp, it is also possible to use cooked shrimp. If you choose to use live shrimp, it is important to handle them carefully to avoid injury.
Seafood such as crab or lobster can also be used in place of shrimp for a variation of the dish. However, it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the seafood is cooked through.
Overall, drunken shrimp is a delicious and unique seafood dish that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you choose to serve it as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal, it is sure to be a hit.
Selecting Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious drunken shrimp recipe, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your ingredients.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
The first thing you need to consider when making a drunken shrimp recipe is the type of shrimp you will use. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but fresh shrimp is always the best option. If you can get your hands on live shrimp, even better! Live shrimp will give your dish a much fresher taste.
Freshness Factors
Freshness is key when it comes to seafood, and shrimp is no exception. When selecting your shrimp, make sure that they are fresh and have a sweet smell. If you notice a fishy or ammonia-like smell, it's a sign that the shrimp is not fresh and should be avoided. Also, make sure that the shrimp is firm and not slimy to the touch.
Wine Pairing
Another important ingredient in a drunken shrimp recipe is wine. Chinese rice wine is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of wine such as Shaoxing wine. When selecting your wine, look for a dry and light-bodied wine that will complement the sweetness of the shrimp.
If you want to add more seafood to your recipe, prawns are a great option. You can use either fresh or frozen prawns, but fresh prawns are always the best choice. Make sure they have a sweet smell and firm texture.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your drunken shrimp recipe turns out delicious and full of flavor.
Preparation Techniques
Cleaning and Deveining
Before starting the preparation of drunken shrimp, it is essential to clean and devein the shrimps properly. Rinse the shrimps under running water and remove the shells and legs. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the vein. If you are using live shrimps, make sure to remove the heads and tails before cleaning.
Marinating the Shrimp
Marinating the shrimp is a crucial step in preparing drunken shrimp. The marinade consists of ginger, soy sauce, and alcohol. You can use Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing Huadiao wine to marinate the shrimp. The alcohol helps to tenderize the shrimp and add flavour to the dish.
To marinate the shrimp, first, slice the ginger into thin pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce and alcohol to the bowl and mix well. Add the cleaned shrimps to the marinade and mix well. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Seafood such as prawns can also be used instead of shrimps in this recipe. Make sure to clean and devein the prawns properly before marinating. You can also use other types of seafood such as scallops or squid for a variation of the dish.
Cooking Methods
Stir-Frying in a Wok
One of the most popular ways to cook drunken shrimp is by stir-frying in a wok. This method is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. To start, heat up your wok over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add some oil and swirl it around the wok to coat the surface. Next, add your shrimp to the wok and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they turn pink. Be sure not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
You can also add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and vegetables to your stir-fry for extra flavour and texture. Seafood like scallops or squid can also be used in this recipe to add more variety to your dish.
Simmering in Wine
Another way to cook drunken shrimp is by simmering them in wine. This method infuses the shrimp with the flavour of the wine, making it perfect for those who love bold flavours. To start, heat up some wine in a skillet over medium heat. Once the wine starts to simmer, add your shrimp to the skillet and let them cook for a few minutes until they turn pink.
You can also add other ingredients like herbs and spices to your simmering wine to enhance the flavour of your dish. Seafood like mussels or clams can also be used in this recipe to add more depth to your dish.
No matter which cooking method you choose, be sure to adjust the heat accordingly to prevent your shrimp from overcooking. With these simple methods, you can make delicious and flavourful drunken shrimp that is sure to impress your guests.
Serving and Presentation
After preparing your delicious drunken shrimp dish, it's time to present it in a way that will impress your guests. Here are some tips to help you with serving and presentation.
Accompaniments
Drunken shrimp is a dish that goes well with a variety of accompaniments. You can serve it with cold water or a glass of wine. If you want to add more seafood to your meal, you can also serve it with other seafood dishes such as fish or shells.
When serving with wine, you can choose a white wine that complements the pink color of the shrimp. If you prefer red wine, choose a light-bodied one that won't overpower the delicate flavors of the shrimp.
Garnishing Tips
Garnishing your drunken shrimp dish is an important part of presentation. Here are some tips to help you with garnishing:
- Use fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley to add color and freshness to the dish.
- Add a slice of lemon or lime to the plate to give the dish a citrusy flavor.
- Use a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts to add texture and crunch to the dish.
To make your dish look even more impressive, you can use a chef's plating technique to arrange the shrimp in an aesthetically pleasing way. This can involve arranging the shrimp in a circle or stacking them on top of each other.
Overall, the presentation of your drunken shrimp dish is just as important as the taste. By following these tips, you can make sure that your dish looks as good as it tastes.
Safety Considerations
When preparing a drunken shrimp recipe, it is important to consider safety measures to ensure that the dish is not only delicious but also safe to consume. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
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Handling live shrimp or prawns: If you are using live shrimp or prawns, it is important to handle them with care to avoid injury. Live shrimp or prawns can be aggressive and may bite if they feel threatened. To avoid injury, handle them gently and use a pair of tongs to pick them up.
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Cooking seafood: Seafood should always be cooked thoroughly to avoid the risk of food poisoning. When cooking shrimp or prawns, ensure that they are cooked all the way through. The flesh should be opaque and firm to the touch.
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Choosing the right type of alcohol: When making drunken shrimp, it is important to choose the right type of alcohol. Chinese rice wine is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of alcohol such as Shaoxing wine or sake.
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Consuming alcohol: If you choose to consume the alcohol used in the recipe, it is important to do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems, so be sure to drink responsibly.
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Alternative seafood options: If you are not comfortable handling live shrimp or prawns, or if you prefer not to use them for ethical reasons, you can use cooked shrimp instead. Cooked shrimp is also a good option if you are short on time. Alternatively, you can use other types of seafood such as scallops or squid. Be sure to choose seafood that is fresh and of good quality.
By keeping these safety considerations in mind, you can ensure that your drunken shrimp recipe is not only delicious but also safe to consume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for a simple Chinese drunken shrimp dish?
To make a simple Chinese drunken shrimp dish, you will need fresh shrimps, Chinese rice wine, ginger, and some condiments. You can also add other seafood like scallops or squid to the dish if you prefer.
How do I prepare shrimp to achieve the 'bouncy' texture in drunken shrimp recipes?
To achieve the 'bouncy' texture in drunken shrimp recipes, you need to rinse the shrimp under running water and then soak them in rice wine for a few minutes. This will help to remove any impurities and give the shrimp a tender, juicy texture.
Can you suggest a method to cook prawns that would be served cold?
Yes, you can cook prawns that would be served cold by boiling them in salted water for 5-7 minutes until they turn pink. Then, you can chill them in the fridge for a few hours and serve them with a dip of your choice.
What's the secret to making the best Chinese-style drunken shrimp?
The secret to making the best Chinese-style drunken shrimp is to use fresh, live shrimps and Chinese rice wine. You can also add some ginger, garlic, and other condiments to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Why do they call it 'drunken shrimp', and what does the dish entail?
They call it 'drunken shrimp' because the shrimps are soaked in Chinese rice wine before being cooked, which gives them a slightly intoxicating effect. The dish entails cooking the shrimps in a spicy broth made with rice wine, ginger, garlic, and chilli.
Are there any special techniques to infuse the flavours when making drunken prawns Singapore style?
To infuse the flavours when making drunken prawns Singapore style, you can add vegetables like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to the broth. You can also use different types of seafood like squid or scallops to add variety to the dish.