Make Your Own Takeaway: An Authentic Szechuan Shrimp Recipe
Are you missing the delicious flavors of your favorite Chinese takeaway? Well, now you can make it yourself at home with this authentic Szechuan shrimp recipe! Not only will you be able to enjoy all the amazing flavors, but this recipe is so simple and easy to follow that anyone can make it. Get ready to experience a true taste of Chinese cuisine in your kitchen!
Szechuan shrimp is a popular Chinese dish that is typically made with stir-fried shrimp in a spicy sauce. The sauce is often made with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger, and sometimes includes other ingredients like peanuts or sesame seeds. While the dish can vary in heat level, it is typically quite spicy.
Szechuan shrimp is often served over rice, but can also be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer or main course. If you’re looking to make your takeout at home, this authentic Szechuan shrimp recipe is the perfect place to start.
The shrimp are stir-fried until they’re perfectly cooked, and then tossed in a delicious sauce made with all of the traditional Szechuan flavors. Serve it over rice for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as an appetizer or main course. Either way, you’re sure to love this tasty dish!
What You’ll Need to Make Szechuan Shrimp
To make an authentic Szechuan shrimp dish at home, you’ll need:
- 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
To begin, heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast the Szechuan peppercorns until fragrant. Remove from the pan and let cool before grinding into a powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Set aside.
Next, heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and ground Szechuan peppercorn powder and continue to stir until the sauce has thickened.
Finally, add the shrimp to the pan and cook until opaque and just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Serve with green onions atop steamed rice. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Szechuan Shrimp
1. Rinse and clean the shrimp under cold water. Devein the shrimp by making a shallow cut down the back of each one and removing the black vein.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients: cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
3. Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add oil to the pan and swirl to coat. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and peppers and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp or they will be tough.
5. Serve immediately with rice or noodles and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Szechuan Shrimp
Szechuan shrimp is a popular Chinese dish that is typically made with stir-fried shrimp in a spicy Szechuan sauce. While the dish can be made with any type of shrimp, it is best made with large, fresh shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
When making Szechuan shrimp at home, it is important to first make the sauce. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. To make the sauce, simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Once the sauce is made, the shrimp can be cooked. To cook the shrimp, heat a large skillet over high heat and add oil to coat the bottom. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and slightly charred around the edges.
Once the shrimp are cooked, add them to a large bowl along with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Substitutes for Ingredients in Szechuan Shrimp
If you don’t have all the ingredients for a traditional Szechuan shrimp dish, some substitutes will still give you a delicious and authentic-tasting meal. For the shrimp, you can use any type of fresh or frozen shrimp. If you can’t find Szechuan peppercorns, use black peppercorns instead.
For the chili pepper, you can use any type of fresh or dried chili pepper, such as jalapeño or cayenne. If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry, white wine, or even chicken broth. Lastly, if you can’t find Chinese rice wine vinegar, use any type of rice vinegar or cider vinegar.
Options for Serving Szechuan Shrimp
When it comes to takeout, we all have our favorite dishes. Szechuan shrimp is a popular choice, but it can be difficult to find a good recipe. This dish is typically served with rice, but there are many other options available. Here are some ideas for how to serve Szechuan shrimp:
- Rice: This is the most common way to serve Szechuan shrimp. White or brown rice both work well as a base for this dish.
- Noodles: Another popular option, is noodles provide a heartier base for the dish. Try using noodles even ramen noodles.
- Vegetables: If you want to lighten up the dish, try serving it over steamed vegetables. broccoli, cabbage, and carrots all pair well with Szechuan shrimp.
- Salad: For a more substantial salad, add some chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers to your plate. Top with the shrimp and dressing of your choice.
Conclusion
With this Szechuan Shrimp recipe, you can now experience the full flavor of authentic Chinese cuisine at home. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, cooking your takeaways will always be more rewarding than ordering out.
Not only is this delicious meal packed with flavor and nutrition, but it also doesn’t require too much effort or time. So why not try making your takeaway tonight? You won’t regret it!