drunk shrimp recipe

How to Make Drunken Shrimp: A Comprehensive Guide

Drunken shrimp, a beloved Chinese delicacy, is celebrated for its tender texture and intoxicatingly flavorful broth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this dish.

Ingredients: 500g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup high-quality rice wine (e.g., Shaoxing wine); 3-4 sliced ginger; 2 scallions, cut into sections; 5-6 Sichuan peppercorns; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; Optional: chili flakes for heat.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Marinate in 1 tbsp soy sauce and a pinch of salt for 10 minutes.

2. Create the Broth: In a pot, bring rice wine, ginger, scallions, peppercorns, sugar, and remaining soy sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it steep for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.

3. Cook the Shrimp: Add marinated shrimp to the broth. Cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

4. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, let the shrimp steep in the broth for 10-15 minutes to absorb the “drunken” essence. Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions and chili.

Tips: Use live shrimp for the best taste; adjust wine-to-soy ratio based on preference. For a spicy twist, add dried chilies during simmering. Enjoy this umami-rich dish as an appetizer or with steamed rice!