Cooking Chinese shrimp can be both an art and a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re preparing a simple stir-fry, a sophisticated lemon pepper shrimp dish, or an elegant shrimp cocktail, the key to perfect shrimp lies in understanding how to select, prepare, and cook them properly. This article will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your shrimp dishes are as delicious as they are visually appealing.
Selecting the Right Shrimp
Fresh or Frozen?
When buying shrimp, you have the option of fresh or frozen. While fresh shrimp might seem appealing, many supermarkets sell shrimp that have already been frozen and thawed, which reduces their shelf life and increases their price per pound. To save money and have more flexibility, opt for frozen shrimp. Moreover, frozen shrimp in the shell tend to have better flavor and texture than peeled and deveined ones.
Size Matters
Shrimp are labeled as small, medium, large, extra-large, jumbo, and colossal, but these terms are not regulated. A better way to know what you’re getting is to look for the count number on the bag. This indicates the average number of shrimp per pound. For example, 21/25 means you’ll get between 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp. Between 16 to 30 shrimp per pound is ideal for most recipes. For grilling, larger shrimp (like U/15, which means under 15 shrimp per pound) are best. Plan on buying about half a pound of shrimp per person for a main-course serving.
Thawing and Preparing Shrimp
Safe Thawing Methods
There are two safe ways to thaw shrimp: slowly in the fridge for about 24 hours per pound, or quickly in a colander under cold running water. Never thaw shrimp at room temperature or in warm water, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Peeling and Deveining
Whether you cook shrimp with or without their shells is up to you. If you prefer peeled shrimp, start by twisting off the legs, which makes the shell easier to remove. You can leave the tail shell on for a prettier presentation. Along the shrimp’s curved back, there’s a dark line called the digestive tract or vein.
Remove it before cooking to prevent any gritty texture in your dish. To devein shrimp with the shell on, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut along the back and pull out the vein. If the shrimp are already peeled, simply cut a slit along the back and remove the vein.
Cooking Techniques
Chinese cuisine offers various cooking methods for shrimp, each bringing out a unique flavor and texture. Here are some popular techniques:
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook shrimp. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with a small amount of oil. Add aromatics like garlic and ginger, then add the shrimp, stirring constantly until they turn pink and curly, about 2-3 minutes. This method is perfect for dishes like garlic shrimp or shrimp stir-fry with vegetables.
Deep-Frying
For crispy shrimp dishes like lemon pepper shrimp or shrimp fritters, deep-frying is ideal. Pat the shrimp dry and coat them in cornstarch or a batter. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Steaming
Steaming shrimp preserves their delicate flavor and texture. Arrange shrimp on a steaming rack over boiling water. Steam for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. This method is great for dishes like steamed shrimp with garlic sauce.
Grilling
Grilling shrimp adds a smoky flavor. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and slightly charred. Brush with a little oil and your favorite sauce during grilling.
Baking and Roasting
Baking or roasting shrimp in the oven is another hands-off cooking method. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 6-8 minutes until pink and cooked through.
Sample Recipes
Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Pat shrimp dry and coat with cornstarch. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Add the fried shrimp, toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute until heated through.
Serve garnished with chopped green onions.
Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for
- 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- In the same wok, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, stir-fry until they turn pink and curly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the vegetables to the wok. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Cook for another minute until heated through. Serve over cooked rice.
Conclusion
Cooking Chinese shrimp can be a delightful experience with endless possibilities. By selecting the right shrimp, thawing and preparing them safely, and mastering various cooking techniques, you can create delicious and visually appealing shrimp dishes that will impress your family and friends. From stir-fries and deep-fries to steamed and grilled shrimp, the only limit is your imagination. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and start cooking your way to shrimp perfection!
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