Delicious Asian Manchurian Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Embarking on a culinary journey into the vibrant and diverse world of Asian cuisine, the Manchurian Shrimp recipe offers a perfect blend of succulent seafood, bold flavors, and aromatic spices. This dish, inspired by the popular Chinese-inspired Manchurian style, is a harmonious fusion of savory, tangy, and spicy elements that excite the palate with every bite. At Love With Recipes, we aim to bring you recipes that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition and easy to prepare, making them suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

The beauty of this Manchurian Shrimp lies in its versatility. It can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a larger Asian-themed dinner. The key to achieving authentic flavor and optimal texture lies in selecting fresh ingredients, controlling cooking temperatures meticulously, and balancing the flavors to suit your individual taste preferences. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its irresistible aroma and taste.

This detailed guide aims to cover every aspect of preparing Manchurian Shrimp, from ingredient selection and preparation techniques to serving suggestions, nutritional insights, and expert tips. As always, our goal at Love With Recipes is to empower you with comprehensive knowledge so that you can cook with confidence and creativity. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into creating this delightful dish that celebrates the rich flavors of Asian cuisine.

Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Note: The total time includes initial preparation, marination, frying, and final cooking. This timeline ensures optimal flavor infusion and perfect texture for the shrimp.

Needed Equipment

• Large mixing bowls – for marinating and mixing ingredients
• Deep-frying pan or wok – essential for frying the shrimp evenly
• Slotted spoon – for removing fried shrimp from hot oil
• Kitchen thermometer – to monitor oil temperature for frying
• Cutting board and chef’s knife – for chopping garlic, scallions, and chilies
• Measuring spoons and cups – for precise ingredient measurement
• Whisk or fork – to beat the egg and mix marinade thoroughly
• Paper towels – for draining excess oil from fried shrimp
• Stir-fry or large skillet – for preparing the sauce
• Serving platter – for presenting the finished dish
• Cooking spatula or tongs – for tossing shrimp in sauce

Tags

Asian cuisine, Seafood, Quick recipes, Flavorful dishes, Spicy, Appetizer, Main course, Gluten-free (if gluten-free soy sauce used), Low-carb, High-protein

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, with each serving comprising a generous portion of flavorful shrimp accompanied by the aromatic sauce. It is ideal for sharing among family and friends or for a multi-course dinner.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. While the recipe involves multiple steps—marinating, frying, and sauce preparation—it is straightforward with clear instructions. Prior experience with frying and stir-frying will enhance your ease in executing this dish perfectly.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Gluten-free option available by substituting soy sauce with gluten-free tamari. Suitable for pescatarian diets. Not suitable for vegans due to shrimp and egg content.

Course

Main Course, Appetizer

Cuisine

Asian, Chinese-inspired

Ingredients

Seafood and Marinade

Sauce and Aromatics

Oil for Frying

• Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil – enough for deep frying

Instructions

1. Preparing and Marinating the Shrimp

Begin by ensuring your shrimp is fresh—preferably sourced from a reputable supplier or market. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water, removing any residual shell bits or impurities. If not already done, peel the shrimp, leaving the tail intact to add visual appeal and extra flavor during cooking. Deveining the shrimp involves making a shallow cut along the back with a paring knife or kitchen scissors and removing the dark vein, which is the digestive tract. This step ensures a cleaner presentation and improves the overall eating experience.

Next, transfer the cleaned shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Add one tablespoon of cornstarch, which helps to tenderize the shrimp and gives the final dish a desirable coating texture. Incorporate the ginger paste and garlic paste, both of which are essential for imparting the characteristic aroma and flavor profile typical of Manchurian dishes. Season the mixture with ½ teaspoon of white pepper and ½ teaspoon of salt, adjusting according to taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Crack open one large egg and beat it lightly before adding to the bowl. Mix thoroughly using a whisk or fork, ensuring each shrimp is coated evenly with the marinade. This step not only enhances flavor but also helps the coating stick during frying, resulting in a crispy exterior. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, ensuring a more flavorful final product.

2. Frying the Shrimp

While the shrimp is marinating, prepare your frying station. Fill a deep-frying pan or wok with enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp—approximately 3-4 inches deep. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for around 350°F (175°C). Maintaining consistent oil temperature is crucial; too hot, and the shrimp may burn on the outside before cooking through; too cool, and they will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.

Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause temperature drops and soggy results. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimp, allowing excess oil to drip off, and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb residual oil. Repeat until all shrimp are fried, ensuring the oil remains at the correct temperature throughout.

Frying in batches helps to maintain the oil temperature and ensures evenly cooked, crispy shrimp. Resting the cooked shrimp briefly on paper towels prevents them from becoming soggy and keeps the texture optimal for the final dish.

3. Preparing the Sauce

Once the shrimp are fried and set aside, focus on creating the flavorful sauce. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large stir-fry pan over high heat. When shimmering, add the chopped garlic, scallions, and green chilies. Sauté for approximately two minutes, stirring constantly, until the aromatics release their fragrant oils and become slightly caramelized. This step forms the aromatic base for the sauce, infusing the oil with potent flavors.

Stir in the tablespoon of tomato paste, which adds depth and a slight sweetness to balance the tang of vinegar. Follow with two teaspoons of sugar, and stir until dissolved, balancing the acidity and spice. Add the two teaspoons of white vinegar, which introduces a bright tanginess characteristic of Manchurian dishes. Incorporate the tablespoon of soy sauce for umami richness and a touch of saltiness. Finish with ½ teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring constantly to meld the flavors. This process takes about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be thickened slightly and aromatic, ready to coat the crispy shrimp. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of water or stock can be added to loosen it to your desired consistency.

4. Combining and Serving

Carefully add the fried shrimp into the wok with the hot sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly, ensuring the shrimp absorb the flavors while maintaining their crispiness. Immediately remove from heat once coated to prevent overcooking, which could result in loss of texture or flavor deterioration.

Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped scallions or fresh coriander for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Serve hot, accompanied by steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, depending on your preference. For an extra touch, you can serve with lemon wedges or chili flakes on the side.

Preparation Tips

• Freshness matters: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Marination time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes; longer marination enhances flavor penetration.
• Oil temperature: Always check the oil temperature before frying; too low results in greasy shrimp, too high causes burning.
• Frying technique: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even, crispy coating.
• Flavor balance: Adjust the sugar and vinegar levels to suit your taste preferences, creating a perfect sweet-tangy-salty harmony.

Nutritional Information

These values are approximate, based on standard ingredient measurements and cooking methods. The high protein content makes this dish especially satisfying and suitable for a balanced diet.

Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh garlic and ginger: Fresh ingredients significantly enhance flavor, providing aromatic depth and authenticity.
• Control frying temperature: Regularly monitor oil temperature to prevent over-browning or soggy shrimp.
• Adjust spice levels: Add or reduce green chilies and black pepper to customize the heat to your liking.
• Enhance presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander or additional scallions for color and freshness.
• Make it healthier: Bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes as an alternative to deep-frying, for a lower-fat option.

Add-ons

• Chopped bell peppers or broccoli florets for added crunch and nutrition
• Drizzle of chili oil or sriracha for extra heat
• Sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor
• Additional chopped herbs like cilantro or Thai basil

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice or basmati rice
• Fried rice with vegetables
• Stir-fried noodles with vegetables
• Simple vegetable stir-fry
• Spring rolls or vegetable dumplings

Improvements

• Use cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to create a glossy, sticky sauce coating
• Incorporate a splash of chicken or vegetable broth during sauce simmering for added depth
• Experiment with different vinegars like rice vinegar for a more authentic taste
• Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a subtle sweetness variation
• Use a non-stick pan for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking during frying

Save and Store

If you have leftovers, store the fried shrimp separately from the sauce to maintain crispiness. Keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, or briefly in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving the fried shrimp directly as it can make them soggy. The sauce can be stored separately in a sealed container for 2-3 days and reheated on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and drained before marinating. Use cold water to thaw quickly and pat dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture during frying.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice can be adjusted by the amount of green chilies and black pepper. For milder flavor, reduce or omit the chilies; for more heat, add extra or substitute with hot chili flakes.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To adapt for vegan diets, replace shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, use plant-based egg substitutes, and opt for soy sauce or tamari. The flavor profile will change but can be equally delicious.

What are some substitutes for soy sauce?

Use coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari for soy-free versions. These alternatives provide similar umami flavor without soy allergens.

Conclusion

Creating authentic, flavorful Manchurian Shrimp is a rewarding culinary experience that combines crunchy seafood with a tangy, aromatic sauce. The dish balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it an ideal centerpiece for Asian-inspired meals. With careful attention to ingredient quality, frying technique, and flavor balancing, you can elevate this dish from simple comfort food to a restaurant-quality masterpiece right in your kitchen. Remember, practice makes perfect—so don’t hesitate to experiment with spice levels, ingredient substitutions, and presentation styles. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish, and always remember to celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that Asian cuisine offers. Love With Recipes is committed to guiding you through each step, ensuring your cooking journey is both enjoyable and successful.

References

Sources include authentic Chinese culinary techniques and flavor profiles from reputable culinary publications, along with traditional Asian cooking methods as documented in “The Food of China” by E.N. Anderson and “Asian Flavors” by Naomi Imatome-Yun.