braised shrimp

How to Make Braised Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Braised shrimp, a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, combines tender shrimp with a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp cooking oil; 4 sliced garlic; 1 tbsp ginger, julienned; 1 chopped green onion; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 cup water or broth; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening); a pinch of white pepper.

Steps:

1. Prep the shrimp: Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Marinate with 1 tsp light soy sauce and a pinch of white pepper for 10 minutes.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Avoid browning to prevent bitterness.

3. Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp to the wok. Stir-fry until they turn pink and opaque (1–2 minutes). Remove and set aside.

4. Make the sauce: In the same wok, pour in water/broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

5. Thicken and combine: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens. Return shrimp to the wok, toss to coat evenly, and cook for 1 more minute.

6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a splash of rice wine or a dried chili. Adjust soy sauce to taste for saltiness. Enjoy this umami-rich dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners!