Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas

Spicy Shrimp Wrapped in Snow Peas Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Servings: 20

Introduction

Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas is a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any special occasion or gathering. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic ginger, and flavorful five-spice powder wrapped in crisp snow peas is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine, combining classic flavors and ingredients in a new and innovative way. The use of snow peas as a wrapper for the shrimp adds a fresh and crunchy texture to the dish, while the spicy marinade infuses the shrimp with bold and savory flavors.

Ingredients

20 uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 large garlic clove, pressed
0.5 tsp chinese five-spice powder
20 large snow peas, stringed
1 tsp Oriental sesame oil
0.5 tsp toasted sesame seeds
2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
20 small wooden skewers or toothpicks

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, ginger, vegetable oil, garlic, and five-spice powder. Toss to blend.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
Add snow peas and cook for about 45 seconds, until they are crisp-tender. Drain.
Rinse the snow peas with cold water and drain. Pat them dry.
Transfer the snow peas to a bowl and drizzle sesame oil and sesame seeds over them. Toss to coat. Set aside.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp mixture to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes.
Add soy sauce and stir until the shrimp are just opaque in the center and the liquid evaporates, about 1 minute.
Transfer the shrimp to a plate and let them cool completely.
Wrap one snow pea lengthwise around each shrimp, from head to tail. Secure with skewers. (This step can be done up to 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Serve the shrimp slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different flavor and texture.
Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or water chestnuts to the shrimp mixture for added crunch and color.
Drizzle a spicy chili sauce or sweet and sour glaze over the wrapped shrimp for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove any gritty or sandy residue.

- Marinating the shrimp for at least 1 hour will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they are opaque in the center.

- Use wooden skewers or toothpicks to secure the snow peas around the shrimp for a neat and elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas as an appetizer at a cocktail party or as part of a Chinese-inspired meal. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet to quickly cook them and seal in the flavors.

- Blanch the snow peas in boiling water to soften them slightly before wrapping them around the shrimp.

- Use a sharp knife to devein the shrimp and remove the shells for a clean and professional presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground ginger or garlic powder instead of fresh ginger and garlic for a milder flavor.

- Substitute regular sesame oil for toasted sesame oil if you prefer a less intense sesame flavor.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the shrimp and prepare the snow peas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve.

- The wrapped shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 6 hours before serving, making it a convenient and stress-free appetizer option for parties and gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the wrapped shrimp on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce or soy sauce for added taste.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The light and citrusy notes of the wine will complement the spicy and savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas contains approximately 4 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is low in carbohydrates and fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying appetizer option.

Summary

Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas is a flavorful and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a spicy marinade, tender shrimp, and crisp snow peas, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious recipe with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to attend a cooking class in the quaint little town of Culinaryville. The class was being taught by a renowned chef, Chef Pierre, who had traveled the world and learned the art of cooking from various cultures.

As I sat in the cozy kitchen of Chef Pierre's cooking school, I watched in awe as he effortlessly prepared dish after dish with precision and grace. His passion for food was palpable, and I found myself hanging on his every word and movement. When it was time for him to demonstrate the recipe for Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Chef Pierre began by explaining the origins of the dish, which he had learned during his travels in Thailand. He spoke of the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine and how the combination of spicy shrimp and crisp snow peas created a perfect harmony of taste and texture. As he deftly seasoned the shrimp with a blend of fragrant spices, I could already envision myself recreating this dish in my own kitchen.

The next step was to wrap each shrimp in a delicate snow pea, creating a beautiful and elegant presentation. Chef Pierre showed us how to carefully fold the snow pea around the shrimp, ensuring that it was tightly sealed to lock in the flavors. With each shrimp carefully wrapped, he placed them in a sizzling hot pan and cooked them until they were perfectly tender and juicy.

As the dish neared completion, Chef Pierre added a final touch of fiery chili sauce to give the shrimp a spicy kick. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish. When Chef Pierre finally plated the Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas and garnished it with fresh herbs, I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

After the class ended, I thanked Chef Pierre for sharing his knowledge and expertise with us. I left the cooking school feeling inspired and eager to try my hand at making the Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas. Over the next few weeks, I practiced the recipe tirelessly, tweaking the seasonings and cooking times until I had perfected it to my liking.

As I served the dish to my family and friends, they raved about the bold flavors and unique presentation of the Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas. They couldn't believe that I had learned to make such a complex and delicious dish, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my culinary skills.

From that day forward, the recipe for Spicy Shrimp wrapped in Snow Peas became a signature dish in my repertoire. I would often think back to that fateful day in Chef Pierre's cooking class and marvel at how one recipe had the power to inspire and ignite my passion for cooking. And as I shared the recipe with others, passing down the knowledge and flavors that I had acquired, I knew that this dish would continue to bring joy and satisfaction to many more generations to come.