Hey, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that will set your taste buds on fire: Szechuan Shrimp. As an experienced chef and dedicated food blogger, I’m thrilled to introduce you to this sensational dish that showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

Szechuan Shrimp - Chinese dish

Hey, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I'm excited to share with you a recipe that will set your taste buds on fire: Szechuan Shrimp. As an experienced chef and dedicated food blogger, I'm thrilled to introduce you to this sensational dish that showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 people

Calories 137 kcal

Equipment

1 wok
1 small bowl

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons canola oil
4 scallions chopped
2 tablespoons minced ginger root
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound fresh medium-sized shrimp peeled and deveined
Steamed rice to serve

Instructions

Mix ketchup, chili sauce, rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper flakes, and cornstarch in small bowl to make sauce.
Pour oil in an unheated wok and wipe around until all sides are coated.
Heat wok and add scallions, ginger root, and garlic.
Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add shrimp.
Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until shrimp turns pink.
Stir sauce mixture in bowl, then add to wok, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and serve with steamed rice.

Video

Notes

For succulent and juicy shrimp, choose large and deveined pieces. These tender morsels of seafood will be the star of your Szechuan Shrimp dish. Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of cornstarch to enhance their flavor and ensure a delightful texture. Stir-fry the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, capturing their natural sweetness while infusing them with the spicy essence of Szechuan cuisine.

Keyword Shrimp

Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Szechuan Shrimp is a culinary journey that requires attention to detail, a love for flavor, and a willingness to experiment. Here are some tips that I’ve gathered over the years that might help you on your journey.

Choose Your Shrimp: The type of shrimp you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your dish. Fresh, medium-sized shrimp work best in this dish as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. However, if you prefer larger shrimp, feel free to use them. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Marinate Your Shrimp: Marinating your shrimp before cooking can help enhance its flavor. A simple marinade of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch can do wonders. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The star of this dish is the combination of fresh ingredients. Using fresh garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns will give your dish a vibrant flavor and a spicy kick.
Balance Your Flavors: Szechuan Shrimp is known for its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Make sure to balance these flavors to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more sugar. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a bit more Szechuan peppercorns or chili.
Don’t Overcook Your Shrimp: To ensure your shrimp stays tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. Stir-fry the shrimp just until it turns pink, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. You can return it to the pan towards the end of cooking, just long enough for it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Use a Wok: If possible, use a wok for stir-frying. Its high, sloping sides and wide top allow for quick, even cooking, which is essential for stir-fry dishes.
Pair with Rice: The savory, robust flavors of Szechuan Shrimp pair perfectly with steamed rice. The rice not only complements the flavors of the dish but also helps to soak up the delicious sauce.

Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. These tips are just guidelines – feel free to tweak them to suit your taste. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, the best dishes are made with love!

How to Serve Szechuan Shrimp

Serving Szechuan Shrimp is about more than just plating a dish; it’s about creating a culinary experience that delights all your senses. Here’s how you can turn a simple stir-fry into a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

Choose the Right Plate: The first step in serving Szechuan Shrimp is choosing the right plate. A large, flat plate works best as it allows room for the shrimp and any sides without crowding. If you have traditional Chinese plates, even better! The white color of the plate provides a beautiful contrast to the vibrant colors of the dish.
Arrange Your Components: Start by placing a mound of steamed rice or noodles on one side of the plate. Then, arrange your Szechuan Shrimp next to it. The key is to create a balance of colors and textures. The succulent, savory shrimp should be nestled against the bright, crisp vegetables, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Add Your Sides: On the other side of the plate, add your chosen sides. This could be anything from a small salad to some pickled vegetables or a bowl of soup. The goal is to complement the main dish and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
Drizzle with Sauce: If you’ve made extra sauce for your Szechuan Shrimp, now’s the time to drizzle it over the dish. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also gives the dish a glossy, appetizing look.
Garnish: For a final touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro over the Szechuan Shrimp. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory shrimp and spicy sauce.
Pair with a Drink: To complete your meal, pair your Szechuan Shrimp with a drink. A cold Tsingtao beer or a glass of plum wine complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a hot jasmine tea or a chilled chrysanthemum tea would be a great choice.
Serve Immediately: Remember, Szechuan Shrimp is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The warmth of the dish enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting meal.

Serving Szechuan Shrimp is about more than just filling your stomach; it’s about taking your taste buds on a journey. So take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the culinary adventure that is Szechuan Shrimp!

FAQs

Can I use other seafood for Szechuan Shrimp?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with scallops, squid, or even fish. Just remember, the cooking time may vary.

Can I make Szechuan Shrimp less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili peppers in the dish according to your taste.

Can I substitute the peppers in Szechuan Shrimp?

While the traditional peppers add a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute them with other peppers like bell peppers or jalapenos if needed.

In my opinion, there’s something truly special about making Szechuan Shrimp. It’s not just about the cooking process; it’s about creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Each step, from cleaning the shrimp to stir-frying it with the peppers, is a labor of love that results in a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration into the world of Szechuan Shrimp as much as I have. If you have any more questions or thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, the joy of food is best when shared.