braised prawns

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

Braised shrimp, a beloved Chinese dish, delights with its savory-sweet sauce and tender texture. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate this classic at home.

Ingredients:

500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp cooking oil; 4 sliced garlic cloves; 1 tbsp ginger, julienned; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp five-spice powder; 1 cup water; Sesame oil for finishing.

Steps:

1. Prep the shrimp: Pat dry and marinate with 1 tsp soy sauce for 10 minutes.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium flame. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and green onions until fragrant (30 seconds).

3. Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp and sear until pink (2 minutes per side). Pour in Shaoxing wine and let it evaporate.

4. Simmer the sauce: Mix soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, and water. Pour over shrimp, cover, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.

5. Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with extra green onions, and serve hot with rice.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them juicy. This dish balances umami and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser!