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Have you ever wanted to experience the bold flavors of Szechuan shrimp without ordering takeout? This post will show you how to make an authentic Szechuan shrimp stir-fry at home. [This introduction is not from the sources.]
Szechuan food comes from the Sichuan province in southwestern China. People enjoy Szechuan food for its spicy and savory flavors. Szechuan cooks use chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns to create a unique taste. Szechuan shrimp is one of the most popular dishes in this region. It combines spicy, savory, and sweet tastes in one dish.
The Flavors of Sichuan
A few ingredients make Szechuan food special.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: These peppercorns create a tingling, numbing feeling in the mouth. They are essential for the “ma la” flavor of Sichuan food, which means numbing and spicy.
- Doubanjiang: This fermented bean paste adds a rich, salty taste. It also makes the dish spicier.
- Dried Chili Peppers: Many types of dried chili peppers are used in Szechuan cooking. Some are mild, and others are very spicy. You can change how spicy the dish is by using more or fewer peppers.
- Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and green onions add a fragrant base to the stir-fry.
Ingredients
You will need these ingredients to make Szechuan shrimp stir-fry:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 cup dried Chinese chili peppers (Facing Heaven or Korean)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or enough to cover shrimp halfway)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 green onion, whites minced, greens sliced for garnish
- 2 teaspoons Doubanjiang
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
For the Sauce (Optional): You can add a sauce using these ingredients or use the sauce ingredients listed above.
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
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Making Szechuan Shrimp Stir-Fry
Prepare the Ingredients
- Prepare the shrimp: Remove the shells and veins from the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them cook evenly.
- Prepare the chili peppers (optional): Cut the chili peppers into small pieces. You can remove the seeds to make the dish less spicy.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients. Stir until smooth.
Cook the Stir-Fry
- Heat the wok or skillet: Put a large wok or skillet on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-high. Let the wok or skillet get hot.
- Add oil and aromatics: Pour oil into the hot wok or skillet. Add garlic, ginger, and the white part of the green onion. Cook for about 30 seconds. You will smell them when they are ready.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the wok. Do not move them for 1 to 2 minutes. The bottom should turn golden brown. Flip the shrimp and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until they are curled. Take the shrimp out of the wok.
- Incorporate the sauce: Pour out most of the oil from the wok. Add the doubanjiang, chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and peanuts. Cook and stir for about a minute. The chili peppers will turn dark brown. Do not let them burn.
- Final touches: Add the shrimp back to the wok. Toss everything together. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.
Serving Szechuan Shrimp Stir-Fry
Szechuan shrimp usually is served with steamed white rice. The rice balances the strong flavors. You can also try serving it with noodles.
Tips for Success
- Use high heat to cook the shrimp. This will help them stay tender.
- Use a large wok or skillet to give the shrimp space to cook evenly.
- Work quickly when you stir-fry. Shrimp cook fast.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. They will become tough if you cook them for too long.
Conclusion
You can enjoy a tasty Szechuan shrimp stir-fry at home. This dish is easy and quick to prepare. Follow these steps to make a flavorful meal your family will enjoy. [The conclusion is not from the sources.]