Crispy Shrimp & Asparagus Stir-Fry
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cambodian cuisine with this Crispy Shrimp & Asparagus Stir-Fry. Known as Pa-con char tapeng P'rang, this delightful dish showcases succulent shrimp and tender asparagus stir-fried to perfection. With a balance of savory oyster sauce, a hint of sweetness from sugar, and the aromatic essence of garlic and onion, this stir-fry is a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying meal that highlights both freshness and flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1 lb (peeled and de-veined)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
water
2 tablespoons
sugar
1 tablespoon
oyster sauce
1 tablespoon
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
onion
1 (sliced)
asparagus
1 lb (cut into 2-inch pieces)
green onion
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and de-veined shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to marinate briefly.
2
In another bowl, whisk together the water, sugar, oyster sauce, and cornstarch until well combined. This will be your sauce mixture; set aside.
3
Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil once the pan is hot.
4
Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan, stirring quickly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5
Add the marinated shrimp to the pan and stir-fry until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6
Toss in the asparagus pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
7
Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp and asparagus. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
8
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped green onion for a burst of fresh flavor.
9
Serve immediately over steamed white rice for a delightful Cambodian meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Shrimp & Asparagus Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Cambodian dish known as Pa-con char tapeng P'rang that features succulent shrimp and tender asparagus stir-fried with savory oyster sauce and aromatics.
What is the Cambodian name for this recipe?
The dish is locally known as Pa-con char tapeng P'rang.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shrimp.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
The shrimp should be peeled and de-veined before cooking.
What type of asparagus preparation is needed?
You should use 1 lb of asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces.
What ingredients make up the sauce mixture?
The sauce is a mixture of 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
How much garlic is used in this stir-fry?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its high smoke point, which is ideal for stir-frying.
At what heat should the stir-fry be cooked?
The wok or large skillet should be preheated over high heat.
How long do I cook the shrimp?
Stir-fry the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
How long does the asparagus need to cook?
The asparagus should be cooked for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
When do I add the sauce to the pan?
Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp and asparagus after they have been stir-fried for a few minutes.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce usually thickens and coats the ingredients within 1-2 minutes of stirring.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
Fold in one chopped green onion at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
It is best served immediately over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice.
Is this a fast meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Can I use a regular skillet instead of a wok?
Yes, a large skillet can be used if you do not have a wok.
How do I marinate the shrimp?
Combine the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and set aside briefly.
What seasonings are used in the stir-fry?
Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic are the primary seasonings.
What aromatics are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses minced garlic and one sliced onion as the aromatic base.
Is there sugar in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar to provide a hint of sweetness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
How do you prepare the onion?
The onion should be sliced.
What role does cornstarch play in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener to help the sauce cling to the shrimp and asparagus.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include Cambodian, shrimp, asparagus, stir fry, quick meal, seafood, vegetable, and oyster sauce.
When do you add the garlic and onion to the pan?
They are added to the hot oil first and stirred for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is the oyster sauce a major flavor component?
Yes, it provides the savory depth characteristic of this Cambodian-style stir-fry.
Can this be eaten as a low-carb meal?
While served traditionally with rice, the shrimp and asparagus stir-fry itself is high in protein and vegetables, though it contains some sugar and cornstarch.
Does the recipe include fresh black pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.