Shrimp Cantonese

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Chinese

Shrimp Cantonese is a flavorful and hearty Chinese dish featuring succulent shrimp in a savory broth with garlic, green onions, and a touch of soy bean flour. Perfect for seafood lovers and those craving comforting, aromatic flavors, it pairs well with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. shrimp
  • 3 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 c. chopped green onions
  • 1 Tbsp. soy bean flour
  • 1 c. chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp. water

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped garlic and green onions; sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
  4. Stir in soy bean flour and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
  7. Add the cornstarch mixture to the broth, stirring until thickened.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter dish, consider using less oil or substituting with a non-stick spray. Fresh shrimp is preferred, but frozen shrimp can work too—just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. If you don't have soy bean flour, cornstarch can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the texture. For added flavor, you can include a splash of sesame oil at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp Cantonese over a bed of steamed rice or alongside Chinese 'Not Fried' Rice for a complete meal. It pairs well with stir-fried vegetables, creating a colorful and nutritious plate. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or additional green onions for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to help restore moisture, ensuring the shrimp remains tender.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp Cantonese contains roughly 3215 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 345g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 685mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

3215 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 344.6g 100% DV
Carbs 36.1g 13% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 684.8mg 30% DV
Potassium 313.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 79.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.2mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 9.5mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 110.4mg 8% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten 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, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and avoid becoming rubbery. If you're short on time, you can run them under cold water for a few minutes to speed up the thawing process.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative and will still provide ample flavor. You can also use water mixed with a bouillon cube or powder for a quick substitute. Just be cautious with salt levels, as some bouillon can be quite salty.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili oil while cooking. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dish at the end for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice 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).

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