Chinese Shrimp – Juicy prawns are coated in a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame. It’s the perfect weeknight meal served with rice to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Why Chinese Shrimp Stands Out
Chinese shrimp dishes are celebrated for their balance of flavors—sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy. The shrimp’s natural sweetness complements bold sauces like hoisin, soy, or chili garlic, while aromatics like ginger, garlic, and scallions elevate each bite. From classics like Kung Pao Shrimp to Shrimp Fried Rice, these recipes are crowd-pleasers that can transform any meal into a feast.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chinese Shrimp
- Freshness Matters: Always choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp should smell like the sea and have a firm texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes. Overcooking results in rubbery texture.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready since Chinese cooking is fast-paced.
- Marination is Key: A short marinade adds depth of flavor and keeps shrimp juicy.
- Use a Hot Wok: A hot wok ensures even cooking and a slight char for enhanced flavor.
Variations on Chinese Shrimp Recipes
- Spicy Kung Pao Shrimp: Add Sichuan peppercorns and peanuts for a bold, spicy twist.
- Sweet and Sour Shrimp: Incorporate pineapple chunks and a tangy sauce of vinegar, ketchup, and sugar.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Infuse the recipe with rich garlic butter for a fusion twist.
- Shrimp with Vegetables: Add snow peas, baby corn, or bok choy for a nutritious one-pan meal.
- Dim Sum Shrimp Dumplings: Wrap shrimp in dumpling wrappers for a delicious appetizer.
How to Serve Chinese Shrimp
Chinese shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:
- Steamed Rice: Jasmine or white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Noodles: Toss shrimp with lo mein or chow mein noodles for a hearty meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve alongside broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for a balanced dish.
- Asian Salads: A fresh cucumber and sesame salad adds a refreshing crunch.
How to Store and Reheat Chinese Shrimp
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked shrimp dishes for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them properly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water.
2. What’s the best shrimp size for stir-frying?
Medium to large shrimp (size 21-30 per pound) work best as they cook evenly and are easier to handle.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free.
4. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a similar flavor.
5. How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking. Once shrimp turns pink and opaque, it’s done.
Chinese Shrimp
Chinese Shrimp - Juicy prawns are coated in a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame. It’s the perfect weeknight meal served with rice to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Ingredients
- 500g / 1 lb prawns: Peeled and deveined
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Aromatics & Spice:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tsp chili flakes
For cooking:
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
Optional Garnish:
- Red chili slices, sesame seeds, and green onions
- Red chili slices, sesame seeds, and green onions
Instructions
- Sear the Prawns: Heat vegetable oil in a hot skillet, sear prawns for 45 seconds per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Lower the heat, add sesame oil, and sauté garlic, ginger, and chili flakes until fragrant and golden.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in water, Sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add prawns back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce clings beautifully.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds, fresh chili, and green onions on top. Serve over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 199Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 0mgSodium 465mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 3gSugar 12gProtein 4g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Why You’ll Love Chinese Shrimp
Chinese shrimp dishes are a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. They’re quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, Chinese shrimp recipes are sure to impress.
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