Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we craft delightful dishes that bring a touch of home-cooked comfort and culinary adventure to your table. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s been a true labor of love: Sweet and Sour Shrimp & Vegetables. After many attempts and taste tests, I’ve finally perfected a recipe that balances the tangy, sweet flavors with succulent shrimp and crisp vegetables. This one-dish wonder comes together in just under 35 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp & Vegetables
Description
This is my personal take on sweet and sour shrimp. I’ve experimented extensively to find the exact combination of flavors that I was looking for, and this recipe is the result of those efforts. Fresh pineapple adds a tropical twist, but it’s optional; you can choose to omit it if you prefer a less sweet flavor. Just be cautious with the pineapple chunks—using too many can overpower the dish. I hope this version hits the spot and becomes a favorite in your home as it has in mine!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Category: One-Dish Meal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups diced onion 🧅
- 1 cup sliced carrots 🥕
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen) 🍤
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 10 pineapple chunks (optional, adjust according to preference)
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced carrots. Toss the carrots frequently to ensure they cook evenly. Sauté the carrots for about 4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
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Add Onions and Garlic: After 4 minutes, add the diced onions to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and tender. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.
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Mix the Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a liquid measuring cup, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a heavy simmer. This will infuse the vegetables with the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink on both sides. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
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Incorporate Pineapple (Optional): If you’re using pineapple chunks, add them to the skillet now. Stir them into the mixture gently. Pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with approximately 4-5 tablespoons of water. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and you have a smooth liquid. Add this cornstarch mixture to the skillet. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and cook until the sauce thickens, which should only take a few minutes.
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Adjust the Heat: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to medium-low. This will keep the dish warm and ready to serve without further cooking.
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Serve: Spoon the sweet and sour shrimp and vegetables over a bed of rice. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce.
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Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors! 🍚
Tips
- Pineapple: Use fresh pineapple if possible for the best flavor. If using canned pineapple, be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
- Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.
I hope this Sweet and Sour Shrimp & Vegetables recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to please your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Happy cooking from Love With Recipes! 🍽️👩🍳👨🍳
