Shrimp Oriental
A vibrant shrimp stir-fry featuring sweet pineapple, crunchy vegetables, and a savory Asian-inspired sauce, perfect for quick, flavorful meals for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 cup brown rice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) can unsweetened pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato, sliced thin
- reserved pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon peanut oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Add the vegetables to a pan, cover, and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Serve the brown rice on heated plates, topped with the steamed vegetables and cooked shrimp.
- Spoon the sauce over the rice, vegetables, and shrimp before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger before cooking. If you don't have arrowroot, cornstarch works as a suitable substitute for thickening the sauce. Feel free to add more vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added nutrition and color, which is also a characteristic of many Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or Simple Asian Cucumber Salad for a refreshing contrast. This shrimp dish is perfect for a family dinner or as a delightful centerpiece for a gathering with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Oriental contains roughly 446 calories, with 14g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 567mg per serving (25% 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, frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are thawed completely before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce better. Just follow the same cooking time as fresh shrimp, adjusting slightly if needed based on size.
What can I substitute for brown rice?
If you prefer a different grain, quinoa or jasmine rice can be good alternatives. Quinoa offers a nutty flavor and additional protein, while jasmine rice provides a fragrant, slightly sticky texture that complements the dish well.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Use the same cooking method but adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of your chosen protein. Additionally, ensure to use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice for extra flavor.
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).