This scrumptious sweet and sour shrimp recipe is a flavorful and tangy dish that brings together a wonderful combination of ingredients like jumbo shrimp, bell peppers, pineapple, and a delightful homemade sweet and sour sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with rich flavor, it gives you a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
The majority of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common and can easily be found in your kitchen pantry or at your local grocery store. However, jumbo butterfly shrimp and apple cider vinegar may not be staples in everyone's kitchen. When you head out to the supermarket, make sure to pick up these ingredients if you don't have them on hand. The jumbo butterfly shrimp is the star of this recipe, while the apple cider vinegar is important for creating the tangy note in the sweet and sour sauce.
Essential Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Jumbo butterfly shrimp: The main component of this dish, jumbo butterfly shrimp adds an irresistible seafood flavor, and its size provides a satisfying bite.
Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the bell peppers, it helps to soften them and enhance their flavor.
Red and green bell pepper: They add color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness to this dish.
Pineapple chunks: These provide a burst of sweet and tart flavor that balances the savory notes of the shrimp and peppers.
Sugar: A key ingredient for the sweet and sour sauce, it provides sweetness to balance the vinegar's tanginess.
Apple cider vinegar: This vinegar is essential for the 'sour' part of the sweet and sour sauce. It provides a distinct tanginess that complements the sweetness.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the sauce.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These add depth to the sauce's flavor profile.
Ketchup: Gives the sauce a thicker consistency and a hint of sweetness.
Cornstarch: Utilized as a thickening agent to give the sauce its luscious consistency.
One reader, Dayle Medina says:
This sweet and sour shrimp recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy shrimp, tender peppers, and tangy pineapple in that luscious sauce is simply divine. It's a burst of flavors in every bite. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a guaranteed hit for any occasion!
Essential Techniques for Preparing Sweet and Sour Shrimp
How to bake the shrimp and peppers: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with foil, then coat the foil with cooking spray. Place the shrimp on one side of the pan and the peppers on the other side of the pan. Toss the peppers with the oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 14 minutes or until the shrimp are browned and crispy and the peppers are softened.
How to make the sweet and sour sauce: In a small pan, bring the sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ketchup to a boil. Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir until smooth. Pour the cornstarch into the sauce, then cook for 1 more minute or until the sauce has thickened.
How to toss the shrimp, peppers, and pineapple with the sauce: Remove the shrimp and peppers from the oven, then add the pineapple to the pan. Pour the sauce over the top, then toss to coat.
How to serve: Serve over rice and enjoy!
How To Make Sweet and Sour Shrimp
This delectable shrimp recipe is coated in a sweet and sour sauce for extra richness! Serve these over rice or enjoy them on their own for filling meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 18ozJumbo Butterfly Shrimp,frozen
- 2tspvegetable oil
- 1red bell pepper,cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1green bell pepper,cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1cuppineapple chunks
- salt and pepper,to taste
- cooking spray
For Sauce:
- ½cupsugar
- ⅓cupapple cider vinegar
- 2tbspsoy sauce
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tsponion powder
- ⅓cupketchup
- 1tbspcornstarch
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
-
Line a sheet pan with foil, then coat the foil with cooking spray.
-
Place the shrimp on one side of the pan and the peppers on the other side of the pan.
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Toss the peppers with the oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Bake for 14 minutes or until the shrimp are browned and crispy and the peppers are softened.
Sauce:
-
In a small pan bring the sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and ketchup to a boil.
-
Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir until smooth.
-
Pour the cornstarch into the sauce, then cook for 1 more minute or until the sauce has thickened.
-
Remove the shrimp and peppers from the oven, then add the pineapple to the pan.
-
Pour the sauce over the top, then toss to coat.
-
Serve over rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 148.00kcal
- Fat: 3.18g
- Saturated Fat: 0.24g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.73g
- Carbohydrates: 28.64g
- Fiber: 1.38g
- Sugar: 23.57g
- Protein: 2.28g
- Cholesterol: 10.08mg
- Sodium: 463.17mg
- Calcium: 18.76mg
- Potassium: 195.62mg
- Iron: 0.47mg
- Vitamin A: 43.34µg
- Vitamin C: 54.65mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Sweet and Sour Shrimp
When preparing the sweet and sour sauce, it's important to add the cornstarch slurry gradually while continuously stirring the sauce. This will ensure that the sauce thickens evenly without forming any lumps. Also, remember to cook the sauce for an additional minute after adding the cornstarch. This step is crucial as it allows the cornstarch to cook and lose its raw flavor, resulting in a more refined and flavorful sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Shrimp Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One pan wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in one pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a double portion and freeze half for a quick and easy meal on another day.
Invest in tools: Quality knives and kitchen gadgets can make prep work faster and more efficient.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the instructions to avoid mistakes that can cost you time in the long run.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and utensils while cooking to prevent a pile-up of cleaning at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Sweet and Sour Shrimp Recipe
jumbo butterfly shrimp - Substitute with large prawns: Large prawns are a suitable substitute for jumbo butterfly shrimp due to their similar size and texture, making them a great alternative for this recipe.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil, adding a hint of coconut flavor to the dish and enhancing the overall tropical profile of the sweet and sour shrimp.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, offering a milder and slightly sweeter taste, while still providing a pop of color to the dish.
pineapple chunks - Substitute with mango chunks: Mango chunks can be used as a substitute for pineapple, imparting a similar tropical sweetness and adding a unique twist to the sweet and sour shrimp recipe.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar, providing a milder acidity and delicate flavor that complements the sweet and sour sauce.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, can be used as a substitute for soy sauce, offering a rich umami flavor and enhancing the depth of the sweet and sour sauce.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, providing a more intense and fresh garlic flavor to the dish.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can be used as a substitute for onion powder, adding a savory and aromatic element to the sweet and sour shrimp recipe.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be used as a substitute for ketchup, offering a more concentrated tomato flavor and thicker consistency to the sweet and sour sauce.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch, providing a similar thickening agent for the sweet and sour sauce while maintaining a clear, glossy finish.
Presentation Tips for Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Elevate the plating: Arrange the sweet and sour shrimp in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize the colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks to add a pop of color to the dish, creating an enticing visual presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the shrimp, peppers, and pineapple are meticulously arranged to create an aesthetically pleasing composition.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and elegance by garnishing the dish with finely chopped cilantro or parsley, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated and refined serving dishes that complement the vibrant colors of the sweet and sour shrimp, elevating the overall presentation.
Consider the balance of textures: Aim to create a visually dynamic dish by highlighting the contrast in textures, such as the crispy shrimp, tender peppers, and juicy pineapple.
Emphasize the sauce drizzle: Artfully drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the shrimp and peppers, creating an enticing visual pattern on the plate.
Incorporate artistic elements: Consider incorporating artistic elements such as delicate swirls or decorative touches using the sweet and sour sauce to add a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Dishes
- Sheet pan: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Foil: Aluminum foil is a thin, pliable sheet of metal commonly used to line pans and wrap foods for cooking.
- Cooking spray: A non-stick cooking spray used to coat pans and prevent food from sticking during cooking.
- Small pan: A small, usually metal, cooking vessel used for heating and preparing sauces and other small quantities of food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various dishes.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients, especially in sauces and batters.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods during cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Sweet and Sour Shrimp
- Allow the sweet and sour shrimp to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the sweet and sour shrimp, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When freezing, it's best to store the shrimp, vegetables, and sauce separately. This will help maintain the texture of the ingredients and prevent the shrimp from becoming too soft when reheated.
- Frozen sweet and sour shrimp will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the shrimp, vegetables, and sauce in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place the thawed ingredients in a skillet or wok over medium heat and stir-fry until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the sweet and sour shrimp in the microwave. Place the ingredients in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Sweet and Sour Shrimp
To reheat leftover sweet and sour shrimp, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the shrimp and vegetables are heated through without overcooking or drying out.
Place the leftover sweet and sour shrimp in an oven-safe dish. If the sauce has thickened considerably during storage, you may want to add a tablespoon or two of water to help loosen it up and prevent the dish from drying out during reheating.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This will help to trap the moisture and prevent the shrimp and vegetables from drying out or burning while they reheat.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp and vegetables are heated through. The exact reheating time will depend on the amount of leftovers and the depth of your dish.
Alternatively, you can reheat the sweet and sour shrimp in a microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon or two of water to help loosen the sauce. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Microwave the leftovers on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the shrimp and vegetables are heated through. This should take approximately 2-3 minutes total, depending on the amount of leftovers and the power of your microwave.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the shrimp with a food thermometer. The reheated sweet and sour shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is safe to consume.
Once the sweet and sour shrimp is heated through, carefully remove the dish from the oven or microwave using oven mitts or potholders. Give the dish a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce and ensure that the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated.
Serve the reheated sweet and sour shrimp over a bed of freshly cooked rice, noodles, or your favorite grain. Garnish with fresh green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture, if desired.
Interesting Trivia About Sweet and Sour Shrimp
The sweet and sour shrimp recipe is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It is believed to have originated from the Cantonese region of China. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in the dish is a result of the traditional Chinese cooking method that balances the five key flavors - sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. The use of pineapple in the recipe adds a tropical sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory shrimp and tangy sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Is Making Sweet and Sour Shrimp at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sweet and sour shrimp recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. Shrimp and bell peppers can be relatively expensive, but the use of pineapple and basic pantry staples like sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce can balance the cost. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, considering the jumbo shrimp as the priciest ingredient.
Is This Shrimp Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sweet and sour shrimp recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like bell peppers and pineapple, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Shrimp is also a lean protein source, low in calories and high in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as added sugar in the sauce and the use of cornstarch as a thickener, which can contribute to excess calorie intake.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce by half or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use a low-sodium soy sauce to decrease the overall sodium content
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more bell peppers, onions, or carrots
- Opt for fresh pineapple instead of canned to reduce added sugars and preservatives
- Serve the sweet and sour shrimp with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Use a healthier cooking method for the shrimp, such as grilling or baking, instead of frying to reduce oil consumption
Editor's Opinion on This Sweet and Sour Shrimp Recipe
The sweet and sour shrimp recipe is a delightful combination of crispy shrimp, tender peppers, and juicy pineapple, all coated in a tangy and savory sauce. The dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the shrimp adding a satisfying crunch and the peppers and pineapple providing a burst of freshness. The sauce, with its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, ties everything together beautifully. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, and it's sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
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Why trust this Sweet and Sour Shrimp Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal. The succulent jumbo butterfly shrimp and vibrant bell peppers are perfectly complemented by the sweetness of pineapple chunks and the tangy sauce. The careful balance of sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce in the sauce creates a harmonious blend of sweet and sour notes. With the addition of the aromatic garlic powder and onion powder, this dish promises to tantalize the taste buds. Trust in this recipe for a delightful dining experience.
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