Kung Pao Shrimp

Prep Methods/Techniques
Cuisine ,
Servings 4
Ingredients
  • 1 lb extra-large shrimp (21 to 25 count), peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp dry sherry or rice wine
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 3 clove garlic, peeled and minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 3 tbsp peanut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted, you choose)
  • 6 small whole dried red chiles (each about 1 3/4 to 2 inches long) or 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tsp black rice vinegar or plain rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 medium red bell pepper cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 3 medium green onions, thinly sliced
  • Freshly cooked rice or noodles (optional but nice), for serving
Method
  1. Toss shrimp with sherry and soy sauce in medium bowl; marinate until shrimp have absorbed flavors, about 10 minutes. Mix garlic, ginger and 1 tablespoon oil in small bowl; set aside. Combine peanuts and chiles in small bowl; set aside. Mix chicken broth, vinegar, sesame oil, oyster-flavored sauce, hoisin sauce and cornstarch in small bowl or measuring cup; set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until just beginning to smoke. Add shrimp and cook, stirring about once every 10 seconds, until barely opaque, 30 to 40 seconds; add peanuts and chiles, stir into shrimp and continue cooking until shrimp are almost completely opaque and peanuts have darkened slightly, 30 to 40 seconds longer. Transfer shrimp, peanuts and chiles to bowl; set aside. Return skillet to burner and reheat briefly, 15 to 30 seconds. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, swirl to coat pan and add red bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 45 seconds. Clear center of pan, add garlic-ginger mixture, mash into pan with spoon or spatula and cook until fragrant, 10 to 15 seconds; stir into peppers until combined. Stir broth mixture to recombine, then add to skillet along with reserved shrimp, peanuts and chiles; cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits on bottom of pan, until sauce has thickened to syrupy consistency, about 45 seconds. Stir in scallions; transfer to serving plate and serve immediately.
Cook's Notes
Yield
4 servings
Source/Adapted From
Cooks Illustrated