Romantic Cantonese Stir-Fried Shrimp Duet

Cantonese Stir-Fried Lover’s Shrimp: A Culinary Romance on a Plate

Description

Cantonese Stir-fried Lover’s Shrimp is a visually stunning and romantically themed dish that features shrimp prepared in two distinct and delightful flavors. The shrimp are divided and presented on a serving platter in a way that makes a striking impression, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. This dish combines the elegance of Cantonese cuisine with the simplicity of stir-frying, making it both accessible and impressive.

Preparation and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Category

• Cuisine: Cantonese

Keywords

• Chinese
• Asian
• Healthy
• < 30 Mins
• Beginner Cook
• Stir Fry
• Easy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 190.8 kcal
• Fat: 3.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
• Cholesterol: 172.8 mg
• Sodium: 890.7 mg
• Carbohydrates: 11.3 g
• Fiber: 1.8 g
• Sugar: 5.1 g
• Protein: 26 g

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp rice wine
• 1 tbsp sherry wine
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt (for seasoning)
• 1 tbsp rice wine (for seasoning)
• 1 tbsp sherry wine (for seasoning)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb fresh snow peas
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp ketchup (for one-half of the shrimp)
• Optional: 1 1/2 tsp chili paste (for a spicy contrast)

Instructions

1. Preparation of Shrimp:

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   • Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Rinse them under cold water and drain well. Set aside.

2. Marinade:

   • In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1 tbsp sherry wine, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Add the shrimp to this mixture and toss to coat evenly. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.

3. Seasoning Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, prepare the seasoning sauce by mixing 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp rice wine, and 1 tbsp sherry wine. Set aside.

4. Prepare Snow Peas:

   • Trim the ends off the snow peas. Parboil them in boiling water for about 1 minute until they turn bright green and are just tender. Drain and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry Snow Peas:

   • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the snow peas and stir-fry for a few moments until they are crisp-tender. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove the snow peas from the wok and place them in the center of a serving platter.

6. Cook Shrimp:

   • Heat 8 tbsp oil in the wok over high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and stir-fry until they change color and curl, about 2-3 minutes. Use a strainer to remove the shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Set aside.

7. Stir-Fry Aromatics:

   • Drain all but 1 tbsp of oil from the wok. Add the chopped scallions and minced ginger, and stir-fry for a few seconds until their fragrance is released.

8. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:

   • Return the shrimp to the wok. Pour in the prepared seasoning sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the shrimp evenly.

9. Divide Shrimp:

   • Remove half of the shrimp from the wok and place them on one side of the platter, next to the snow peas.

10. Add Ketchup:

    • To the remaining shrimp in the wok, add 3 tbsp ketchup and stir briskly to combine. For a spicy contrast, you can add 1 1/2 tsp chili paste at this stage.

11. Final Presentation:

    • Remove the ketchup-coated shrimp from the wok and place them on the other side of the platter. The dish should now have one side with plain shrimp and the other side with ketchup-coated shrimp, with snow peas in the center.

12. Serving:

    • Serve the Cantonese Stir-fried Lover’s Shrimp hot, accompanied by steamed rice. This dish is perfect for sharing and creates a visually appealing and flavorful experience.

Cooking Tips and Variations

1. Shrimp Preparation:

   • Ensure the shrimp are fresh and deveined properly to avoid any gritty texture. Fresh shrimp will give the best flavor and texture to the dish.

2. Marinating Time:

   • While 15-20 minutes is the minimum marinating time, you can marinate the shrimp for up to an hour to enhance the flavors.

3. Oil Control:

   • Be mindful of the amount of oil used during stir-frying. Excess oil can make the dish greasy, so draining the shrimp on paper towels helps in maintaining a balanced texture.

4. Snow Peas:

   • Do not overcook the snow peas. They should remain crisp and vibrant green to add a refreshing contrast to the dish.

5. Seasoning Adjustments:

   • Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more or less salt, and incorporate additional spices like white pepper or a splash of soy sauce for more depth.

6. Spicy Variation:

   • If you enjoy spicy food, don’t hesitate to add chili paste or even fresh chili peppers to the ketchup sauce. This will create a delightful contrast with the mild shrimp.

7. Vegetable Additions:

   • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or baby corn for additional color and nutrients. Stir-fry them along with the snow peas for a more diverse dish.

8. Garnishing:

   • Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Cultural Significance and Enjoyment

Cantonese cuisine, renowned for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and subtle seasonings, perfectly exemplifies the philosophy of “less is more” in the culinary world. This dish, with its minimalistic yet elegant approach, showcases the beauty of Cantonese cooking. The dual presentation of shrimp not only caters to varied taste preferences but also symbolizes harmony and balance, a concept deeply rooted in Chinese culture.

Sharing Cantonese Stir-fried Lover’s Shrimp with a loved one can be a delightful experience, as the dish encourages interactive dining and conversation. The vibrant colors, contrasting flavors, and the overall presentation make it a memorable dish for special occasions or intimate dinners.

Concluding Thoughts

Cantonese Stir-fried Lover’s Shrimp is a testament to how simple ingredients and a few thoughtful cooking techniques can create a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious. Whether you are a beginner cook looking to impress someone special or an experienced chef seeking to explore the nuances of Cantonese cuisine, this recipe offers a perfect balance of ease and sophistication. So, don your apron, heat up the wok, and let this romantic dish bring a touch of Cantonese elegance to your dining table.