boiled shrimp

How to Cook Boiled Shrimp: A Simple Guide

Boiled shrimp is a quick, healthy, and versatile dish that highlights the natural sweetness of prawns. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfect white-boiled shrimp (白灼基围虾).

Ingredients:

- 500g fresh jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on for presentation)

- 4 cups water

- 1-inch ginger, sliced

- 2 green onions, cut into sections

- 1 tbsp sea salt

- 1 tbsp cooking wine (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare the shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Use a toothpick to pick a shallow cut along the back to remove the black vein.

2. Make the poaching liquid: In a pot, bring water, ginger, green onions, salt, and cooking wine to a boil over high heat. Simmer for 2 minutes to infuse flavors.

3. Cook the shrimp: Gently add shrimp to the boiling liquid. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape (do not overcook, or they become tough).

4. Serve immediately: Drain the shrimp and arrange on a plate. For dipping, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, and a drop of sesame oil.

Tips:

- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture.

- Ice water bath after cooking keeps shrimp firm and bouncy.

- Garnish with cilantro or chili oil for extra flavor.

This method takes under 10 minutes and is perfect as an appetizer or light meal. Enjoy the pure, ocean-fresh taste!