Name: Kung Pao Shrimp: 5 Flavorful Secrets for a Spicy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ medium red onion, cut into cubes; ½ medium red bell pepper, cut into cubes; ½ medium yellow bell pepper, cut into cubes; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 8-10 whole dried red chilis; 1½ lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ cup roasted peanuts; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Kung Pao Shrimp is a vibrant and spicy Chinese stir-fry that has become a staple in many households. This dish features succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and crunchy roasted peanuts tossed in a savory-sweet tangy sauce. It’s not just a delight for the taste buds; it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, especially when paired with steamed rice. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among Asian cuisine lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Kung Pao Shrimp

This Kung Pao Shrimp recipe is packed with flavor and offers numerous benefits for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal. First, it’s an Easy Kung Pao Shrimp that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, this dish is gluten-free, appealing to those with dietary restrictions. Third, the combination of shrimp with peanuts and vegetables provides a healthy balance of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice. Additionally, the spicy shrimp stir-fry is versatile; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas. Finally, it’s a fun way to introduce authentic Sichuan flavors to your dinner table, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Ingredients for Kung Pao Shrimp

Gather these items:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium red onion, cut into cubes
½ medium red bell pepper, cut into cubes
½ medium yellow bell pepper, cut into cubes
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
8-10 whole dried red chilis
1½ lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Kung Pao Shrimp Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Whisk well until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and bell peppers, then sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens but vegetables remain crisp-tender.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried red chilis, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and are just cooked through.
Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables, then add the roasted peanuts. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients nicely.
Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately over steamed rice to enjoy a hot and savory Kung Pao Shrimp meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Kung Pao Shrimp

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the number of dried red chilis to control the heat level in your Spicy Asian Shrimp Recipe.
For a nuttier flavor, toast the peanuts lightly before adding them to the dish.
Pair with jasmine rice or quinoa for a healthy option. Remember, this dish is a Gluten-Free Kung Pao Shrimp.
Cook the shrimp just until they turn opaque to prevent overcooking.

Best Ways to Serve Kung Pao Shrimp

This Kung Pao Shrimp dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over fluffy steamed rice or with crispy fried rice for an even heartier meal. Additionally, it pairs well with stir-fried vegetables on the side, enhancing your dining experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option!

How to Store and Reheat Kung Pao Shrimp

To store any leftovers, place the Kung Pao Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This makes for a quick Quick Kung Pao Shrimp Dinner option later in the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Kung Pao Shrimp

What’s the secret to perfect Kung Pao Shrimp?

The secret lies in not overcooking the shrimp. They should be cooked just until they turn opaque to maintain their tender texture. Additionally, using fresh ingredients will elevate the flavors in this Delicious Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe.

Can I make Kung Pao Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure optimal freshness and taste. This way, you can enjoy an authentic Kung Pao Seafood experience!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Kung Pao Shrimp?

Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp and using too much sauce. Always cook shrimp quickly at high heat and adjust the sauce quantity to your preference to achieve the ideal flavor balance.

Variations of Kung Pao Shrimp You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations of Kung Pao Shrimp: Add broccoli for a crunchier texture, substitute chicken or tofu for a different protein, or even create a vegetarian version by including additional vegetables like mushrooms and snow peas. Each variation allows you to experience different flavors while keeping the essence of this iconic dish!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Honey Garlic Shrimp for a sweet twist. If you’re interested in more Asian-inspired dishes, consider making Korean BBQ Meatballs!

Kung Pao Shrimp: 5 Flavorful Secrets for a Spicy Delight

Author: basmer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Kung Pao Shrimp recipe is a vibrant, spicy Chinese stir-fry dish featuring succulent shrimp, crunchy bell peppers, and roasted peanuts all tossed in a savory-sweet tangy sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Whisk well until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and bell peppers, then sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens but vegetables remain crisp-tender.
Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried red chilis, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and are just cooked through.
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables, then add the roasted peanuts. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients nicely.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately over steamed rice to enjoy a hot and savory Kung Pao Shrimp meal.