Mandarin Shrimp

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Bright and flavorful Mandarin Shrimp features tender shrimp, fresh mushrooms, water chestnuts, and a ginger-soy glaze, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 1/2 lb. raw, peeled shrimp
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 (5 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 2 tsp. soy sauce
  • cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a frying pan and sauté the shrimp for about 3 minutes until pink.
  2. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes longer.
  5. Add water chestnuts, chicken bouillon cube, 1 cup water, and ground ginger.
  6. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
  7. In a small bowl, make a paste of cornstarch and 1/2 cup water, then add soy sauce.
  8. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan and cook until the sauce thickens.
  9. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and heat through.
  10. Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If fresh mushrooms aren't available, canned mushrooms can work in a pinch. Adjust the soy sauce and ginger levels to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a unique twist, consider adding a side of Sweet And Sour Sauce For Dipping for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to warm the shrimp and sauce gently, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mandarin Shrimp contains roughly 369 calories, with 12g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2362mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).

369 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.5g 25% DV
Total Fat 12.6g 16% DV
Carbs 56.1g 20% DV
Fiber 4.7g 17% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2361.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 796.1mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 30.2mg 34% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 173.5mg 13% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Soy Shellfish

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. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can quickly thaw shrimp by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.

What can I substitute for water chestnuts?

If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with sliced jicama for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can simply omit them if you prefer.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and using firm tofu instead. Just sauté the tofu until golden before adding the vegetables and sauce.

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).

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