Szechuan Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Indulge in the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this Szechuan Spicy Garlic Shrimp. Perfectly cooked shrimp are enveloped in a vibrant sauce that combines sweet, savory, and spicy notes, delivering a punch of flavor that will impress any guest. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers flexibility in heat levels, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that showcases the aromatic spices and rich textures of Chinese cooking.
4
Servings
120
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
4 tablespoons (none)
ketchup
2 tablespoons (none)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons (none)
honey
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (adjust according to heat preference)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
cooked shrimp
12 ounces (tails removed)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the water, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground ginger until smooth. Set the sauce aside.
2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Add the sliced green onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4
Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and coated with the oil.
5
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Cook and stir for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and has thickened to your desired consistency.
6
Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or with your choice of vegetables.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Spicy Garlic Shrimp?
Szechuan Spicy Garlic Shrimp is a bold Chinese-inspired seafood dish featuring shrimp tossed in a vibrant sauce that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a heavy garlic aroma.
How spicy is this Szechuan shrimp recipe?
This recipe is moderately spicy due to the crushed red pepper flakes, but the heat level can be easily customized by adjusting the amount of flakes used.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the nutritional highlights of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories, 15g of protein, and 3g of fat, making it a relatively lean and high-protein meal option.
Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use raw shrimp. Simply sauté them in the oil until they turn pink and opaque before adding the sauce to the skillet.
What should I serve with Szechuan Spicy Garlic Shrimp?
It is best served over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, or alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
Since it uses pre-cooked shrimp, the active cooking time is very fast, usually taking less than 10 minutes once the sauce is prepared.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that your ketchup does not contain gluten-based thickeners.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with an equal amount of maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a glossy texture that clings perfectly to the shrimp.
How many garlic cloves are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves to provide a strong, aromatic garlic flavor.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger with about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of freshly minced or grated ginger.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Only sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, and ensure your oil is not smoking hot before adding it.
Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?
Absolutely. You can sauté bell peppers, onions, or zucchini in the oil before adding the garlic and shrimp for a one-pan meal.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
A neutral vegetable oil or canola oil is best because they have a high smoke point and won't interfere with the flavors of the sauce.
Is there a substitute for ketchup in the sauce?
While ketchup provides a unique tang and sweetness, you could use tomato paste mixed with a little extra honey and vinegar as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may separate when thawed.
What part of the green onion should I use?
You can use both the white and green parts of the sliced green onions for a balance of sharp and mild flavors.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce further, let it simmer for an extra minute or mix a tiny bit more cornstarch with water and stir it into the boiling sauce.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Is this dish high in sodium?
The sodium level depends on the soy sauce and ketchup used; using low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce the overall salt content.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before adding them to the skillet.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 7.5g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
With 7.5g of carbs per serving, it may fit into some keto plans, though the honey, ketchup, and cornstarch add sugar and starch.
Can I make this recipe with chicken instead?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs; just ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding the sauce.
How do I make it even spicier?
To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Szechuan chili oil or chili paste to the sauce.
Does the shrimp need to have the tails removed?
The recipe suggests removing the tails for easier eating, but you can leave them on for a more formal presentation if preferred.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are about 3g of fat per serving, most of which comes from the vegetable oil used for sautéing.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, this is an excellent beginner recipe because it uses simple ingredients and pre-cooked shrimp, minimizing the risk of overcooking the seafood.