Imperial Shrimp (Peking)
Imperial Shrimp (Peking) offers crispy shrimp in a flavorful sweet and savory sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving bold Chinese-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix thoroughly dried shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Deep fry the shrimp in hot oil (375° to 400°) until no longer opaque. Drain well.
- In 2 tablespoons oil, stir-fry minced ginger, minced scallion, minced red bell pepper, and minced onion until the onion is transparent.
- Add ketchup, sugar, and chicken stock to the stir-fried vegetables and bring to a simmer.
- Add hot chili or pepper oil to taste.
- Turn the heat to high and pour the fried shrimp into the sauce mixture.
- Serve immediately while piping hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying the shrimp. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken for a different protein; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This recipe is similar to other Chinese recipes like Bertha'S Orange Chicken With Rice, which also features a sweet and savory sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Imperial Shrimp over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh cucumber salad or egg rolls for added crunch. For a delicious combination, try it with Chicken Steak(Chinese) for a flavorful Asian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Imperial Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imperial Shrimp (Peking) contains roughly 1100 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2174mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help achieve the desired crispiness when frying.
What can I substitute for chicken stock in the sauce?
If you don't have chicken stock, you can use vegetable broth or water with a little soy sauce for added flavor. This will maintain the overall taste of the dish.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of sugar in the sauce or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).