Sweet and Sour Shrimp – A Classic Chinese Takeout Favorite

Craving Chinese takeout but want to make a homemade version? Sweet and Sour Shrimp is a popular dish that combines the juicy, fresh flavors of shrimp with a tangy and sweet sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. In this recipe, we’ll walk through the steps to create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup cornstarch, for dredging
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Begin by seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper. Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off the excess.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and fry until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the bell peppers and stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften. Add the pineapple chunks and green onions, cooking for an additional minute.
4. For the sauce, mix the pineapple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the pan with the peppers and pineapple. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir the cornstarch and water mixture again and then add to the sauce in the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss everything together to coat the shrimp and vegetables in the sauce. Cook for another minute to ensure the shrimp is heated through.
7. Serve the Sweet and Sour Shrimp over cooked rice, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.

Tips:

• If you prefer a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• You can also include other vegetables such as onions or carrots for a more varied texture and flavor profile.
• Ensure not to overcook the shrimp as it can become rubbery; they are done as soon as they turn pink and start to curl.

Now you have a delightful Sweet and Sour Shrimp dish that rivals takeout and is sure to be a hit at your dining table. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors balanced with the succulent shrimp and crunchy vegetables. Enjoy your homemade culinary creation!