This isn’t your ordinary takeout dish—oh, no. Imagine shrimp so tender it almost melts in your mouth, coupled with juicy pineapple chunks and crisp, colorful bell peppers. It’s a tropical symphony of flavors and textures, and you get to be the conductor right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s so quick and easy, you won’t believe you made something this delightful in under 30 minutes. So let’s put on some island tunes, and dive right in, shall we?
The Sensational Secrets of Sweet and Sour Shrimp
- Perfectly Marinated Shrimp: By letting the shrimp marinate with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and sesame oil, we ensure every bite is flavorful and tender. The cornstarch gives the shrimp that beloved, light crispy texture without deep frying, making each piece an absolute delight.
- Freshness is Key: Using fresh ginger, onion, and bell peppers injects a refreshing, aromatic flavor into the sauce and complements the succulent shrimp beautifully. These fresh ingredients elevate the entire dish, bringing out the authentic tastes of sweet and sour cuisine.
- The Pineapple Touch: Not only does the pineapple add a tropical zest and natural sweetness, but using its syrup in the sauce creates a harmonious blend, enhancing the signature sweet-tangy notes of this classic dish. The balance is just right—not too cloying, not too tart. Just pure, palate-pleasing perfection.
The Yin and Yang of Flavor Fusion
Every great dish tells a story—a symphony of flavors, each ingredient playing its part. In Asian culinary traditions, especially in dishes like our Sweet and Sour Shrimp, there’s a careful balance achieved between contrasting tastes and textures. When I’m stirring everything in the wok, I feel like I’m composing a song with every ingredient harmonizing with the other. Here’s why this delightful dish sings so beautifully to me:
- A Sweet ‘Hello’ and Sour ‘How Do You Do?’: Every bite starts with a sugary grin from the pineapple and ketchup and then BAM! The vinegar comes in with a playful tart wink. It’s a duo that’s just having fun on the taste buds.
- Ginger’s Warm Embrace: Amidst the playful teasing of sweet and sour, ginger strides in like a comforting old friend. Its spiciness is the warm hug amidst the party, adding that depth which makes each mouthful feel like home.
- A Texture Symphony: Now, let’s talk feels. The shrimp, oh-so-tender, paired with the crispy crunch of bell peppers and the pineapple’s juicy burst—it’s like a dance party in every bite.
With every bite of this dish, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re partaking in a culinary journey, where ancient wisdom meets modern cuisine, and every ingredient has a purpose.
Building Your Sweet and Sour Shrimp Buddha Bowl
With a dish as versatile as this Sweet and Sour Shrimp Buddha Bowl, every bite tells a story, and every flavor is an invitation to a culinary adventure. Dive in, mix it up, and find your own sweet, sour, and everything-in-between journey.
Protein Base:
- Main Choice: Shrimp – juicy, tender morsels that soak in the sweet and sour magic.
- Alternatives: Tofu cubes for a vegetarian twist or even chicken strips for those craving poultry.
Veggies & Fruits:
- Main Choices: Bell peppers for that crispy crunch, onions to add a savory touch, and pineapple chunks to bring in the sweet nostalgia.
- Alternatives: Swap in chunks of mango for a tropical twist, broccoli florets for some green goodness, or even snow peas for a delightful snap.
Grains:
- Main Choice: Since it’s not mentioned in the recipe, I’d go with steamed jasmine rice – its fragrance and soft texture is the perfect canvas for the sauce.
- Alternatives: Quinoa for a protein-packed grain, brown rice for a nuttier bite, or glass noodles for a gluten-free option.
Sauce Central:
- Main Choice: The star – sweet and sour sauce, balancing the tangy with the sweet, bringing the whole bowl together.
- Alternatives: A Thai-inspired peanut sauce for a nutty kick, teriyaki sauce for a savory-sweet vibe, or a simple soy and lime dressing for something lighter.
Crunch Element (Optional):
- Main Choice: Cashews or peanuts – to sprinkle on top for that added crunch.
- Alternatives: Toasted sesame seeds, crispy wonton strips, or even some baked panko crumbs.
Sweet, Sour, and Solved: A Shrimp Dish FAQ
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap out the shrimp for tofu cubes or your favorite plant-based protein. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What’s the best type of shrimp to use for this dish? Medium to large-sized shrimps are ideal. Whether fresh or frozen, make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best experience.
- I’m not a fan of pineapples; any replacements? Certainly! Mango chunks are a lovely tropical alternative. You can also consider peaches for a different kind of sweetness.
- What if I don’t have a wok? No worries! A large sauté pan or skillet will work just as well. Ensure it’s large enough so the ingredients aren’t overcrowded, which allows for even cooking.
- Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it in the recipe.
More Buddha Bowl Inspirations from Steamy Kitchen:
- Shrimp Fried Rice with Sesame Seeds Recipe
- Peanut Beef Satay Zoodle Bowl with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Tuna and Salmon Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Jalapeno Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Sweet and Sour Shrimp Recipe
A delectable combination of succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce. This dish features a perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of pineapple and tanginess of vinegar coming together to create a mouthwatering taste sensation. The shrimp is lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, then tossed with the vibrant sauce and colorful vegetables for a delightful and satisfying meal. Enjoy this classic Asian-inspired dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
Servings 4
Calories 320kcal
Ingredients
FOR THE SHRIMP
- 1 pound 450g shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp Asian sesame oil
FOR THE SAUCE
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tbsps honey
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
FOR THE STIR-FRY
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger fresh or frozen
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until coated evenly.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce. Set aside.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated shrimp and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the bell peppers, onion, pineapple chunks, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
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Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.
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Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat the shrimp through.
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Serve the sweet and sour shrimp over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
The nutrition facts provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 187mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 1367IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 3mg
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