cooked shrimp

How to Make Marinated Shrimp with Zhaolu Sauce

Marinated shrimp with Zhaolu sauce, a popular Chinese appetizer, combines tender shrimp with a savory, umami-rich brine. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 500g fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined), 1 cup Zhaolu sauce (store-bought or homemade), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp ginger (grated), 1 red chili (sliced, optional), 1 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tsp sugar, and sesame oil for drizzling.

Steps:

1. Prep the shrimp: Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Marinate with cooking wine for 10 minutes to remove any odor.

2. Blanch the shrimp: Bring water to a boil, cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes until they turn pink and curl up. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and keep them firm.

3. Make the marinade: In a bowl, mix Zhaolu sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sugar, and chili (if using). Adjust seasoning with extra Zhaolu sauce or sugar to taste.

4. Marinate: Combine blanched shrimp with the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

5. Serve: Garnish with sesame oil and chopped cilantro. Serve chilled as a snack or appetizer.

Tips: For extra crunch, add sliced cucumber or celery to the marinade. Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, salty, and savory flavors in every bite!

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