2024. 10. 19. 10:57ㆍ카테고리 없음
Chili Shrimp is a delightful Chinese-style dish that brings together the perfect combination of flavors: the juicy succulence of crispy shrimp paired with a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. This dish is a great choice for an intimate meal, as it serves two. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with someone special, this recipe will bring bold and delicious flavors to your table. It's not only satisfying but also simple enough to prepare in just a few steps.
Ingredients (For 2 Servings)
- Shrimp: 200g (peeled and deveined)
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (for coating)
- Egg white: 1 (lightly beaten)
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon (minced)
- Green onions: 1 stalk (chopped)
- Dried red chilies: 2-3 (optional for extra heat)
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
- Sweet chili sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Cooking oil: For frying
- Sesame seeds: For garnish (optional)
- Chopped cilantro: For garnish (optional)
These simple ingredients work together to create a flavor-packed dish. The shrimp are lightly battered with cornstarch and egg whites to provide a crispy texture, while the sauce delivers a delicious balance of sweetness, heat, and umami from the combination of chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. For extra garnish, sesame seeds and cilantro add an additional layer of texture and flavor, enhancing the presentation and taste.
Step-by-Step Chili Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by ensuring that the shrimp are properly dried using paper towels, as excess moisture can interfere with the crispiness of the shrimp during frying. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Then, dip each shrimp into the egg white to help the cornstarch adhere, giving the shrimp a light, even coating. The cornstarch will provide the crispy crust needed for the perfect texture.
Tip: Make sure the shrimp are thoroughly coated in cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior once fried.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. You want enough oil to allow the shrimp to float and fry evenly. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This ensures the shrimp are cooked perfectly without becoming greasy or soggy. Once done, transfer the shrimp to paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the shrimp. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the shrimp soggy instead of crispy.
Step 3: Make the Chili Sauce
In a separate pan, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Cook these until they become fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic. The chilies add heat, while garlic and ginger bring an aromatic depth. Once fragrant, add ketchup, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water to create the sauce. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld into a cohesive sauce.
Tip: Taste the sauce as it cooks to find the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Adjust by adding a little more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
Step 4: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, toss the crispy shrimp into the pan. Stir well to ensure that every shrimp is coated evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or sticky, add a splash of water to loosen it up and help it coat the shrimp more easily. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during this step – you only need to stir for a minute or two to combine the flavors.
Tip: If the sauce starts to dry out, a small amount of water can help maintain a glossy, evenly distributed coating on the shrimp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and finish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor. Green onions, finely chopped, can also add a fresh crunch that complements the shrimp's sweetness and spiciness. Serve this dish immediately to maintain the crispy texture of the shrimp and the rich flavors of the sauce. You can enjoy this dish on its own as an appetizer or pair it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Tip: For optimal flavor and texture, serve the shrimp immediately while they're still hot and crispy. They make an excellent side or stand-alone dish.
Bonus Tips for the Best Chili Shrimp:
- Use large shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Not only are they more satisfying, but they also hold up better when fried, resulting in a juicy, meaty bite that complements the sauce.
- Double fry for extra crispiness: For an ultra-crispy finish, fry the shrimp twice. The first fry cooks the shrimp through, and the second fry gives them that irresistible crunch. Just make sure the oil is hot enough during both rounds of frying.
- Balance the sauce: The key to a great chili shrimp dish is balancing the sauce. Taste the sauce as you go, tweaking the sugar, vinegar, and chili levels until you achieve the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
- Customize the spice level: You can easily adjust the heat of the dish by adding more or fewer dried red chilies. If you prefer milder heat, feel free to reduce the amount of chili or even omit it altogether. For an extra kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your personal taste. Whether you're craving something sweeter or spicier, a few simple adjustments will help you create the perfect meal for two.