Szechuan Shrimp Recipe

In this recipe, you’ll discover how to make a Szechuan shrimp from scratch. You’ll not only learn the step-by-step process but also some serving suggestions. What is it? Its nutritional information and helpful advice ensure a perfect outcome every time you make this amazing Chinese dish.

What is Szechuan Shrimp?

Szechuan Shrimp is a mouthwatering Chinese dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. Originating from the Sichuan province in southwestern China, this dish showcases the distinctive and aromatic taste of Szechuan cuisine. It is characterized by the use of Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chili peppers, which give it its signature fiery kick.

Szechuan cuisine is known for its hearty flavors, often blending spiciness, numbing sensations, and tanginess. Szechuan Shrimp represents this beautifully. It stars tender shrimp that’s expertly stir-fried and then coated in an enticing sauce crafted from soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and honey. The mix of minced garlic, ginger, and green onions adds a layer of richness to the taste, making it a real flavor adventure.

Szechuan Shrimp Recipe

Recipe by Syed Wasif GilaniCourse: MainCuisine: Chinese

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Serving Size

150

grams

Total time

30

minutes

Savor the bold and vibrant flavors of Szechuan Shrimp, a delectable dish featuring tender shrimp stir-fried with aromatic spices and a fiery sauce. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and umami, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns

• 2 tablespoons dried red chili peppers, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the Szechuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
• Add the coated shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Drizzle the sesame oil over the shrimp and stir to incorporate.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts (if desired).
• Transfer the Szechuan shrimp to a serving dish and serve it hot with steamed rice or noodles.
• Enjoy your delicious homemade Szechuan Shrimp!

Notes

• Elevate the flavors of this recipe by experimenting with different combinations of spices and adding a touch of freshness with a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving for the above Szechuan Shrimp recipe:

Total Time to Make Szechuan Shrimp

The total time for this Szechuan shrimp recipe is approximately 30 minutes. This includes both the preparation time and the cooking time. During the preparation time, you will need about 15 minutes to gather and measure the ingredients, peel and chop the garlic and ginger, and prepare the sauce. Once everything is ready, the cooking time is around 15 minutes, during which you will stir-fry the shrimp, combine it with the sauce, and allow the flavors to meld together. The total time of 30 minutes ensures that you can have a delicious Szechuan Shrimp dish on the table in a reasonable amount of time, making it a convenient choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions for Szechuan Shrimp

Here’s how to serve up this Chinese masterpiece:

Rice or Noodles Partner: Join forces with steamed rice or noodles. Their texture evens out the dish’s bold flavors. Go for white, brown, or fragrant jasmine rice. Noodle-wise, opt for thin rice or egg noodles – they slurp up that yummy sauce.

Veggies on the Side: Amp up the meal with stir-fried veggies. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots are great. Toss them with garlic and soy sauce for an extra savory punch.

Cool Salad Mix: Lighten it up with a fresh salad. Think mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and zingy dressing. The crispness balances out the spicy shrimp. Try citrus or sesame ginger dressings for a tasty twist.

Fried Rice Magic: Transform leftovers into fried rice gold. Chop shrimp, and stir-fry with cold rice, scrambled eggs, veggies, and soy sauce. Szechuan Shrimp’s flavors jazz up the fried rice for a satisfying meal.

Dietary Information for Szechuan Shrimp

My Advice

Szechuan Shrimp is an exciting blend of strong flavors. If you are craving for more heat then toss in more dried red chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes for an extra spicy jolt. Customize the spice to match your liking. Plus, watch the cooking time closely to keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Get creative by trying various garnishes and serving twists to make this dish uniquely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, Szechuan Shrimp is a delightful dish. With its fiery kick and aromatic spices, it’s a recipe that excites the taste buds and transports you to the vibrant streets of Sichuan province. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this dish offers flexibility in terms of heat and ingredients. From the tender shrimp to the complex sauce, every bite is a burst of flavor. Tell me your experience in the comments.