Sweet 'N' Sour Shrimp
Sweet 'N' Sour Shrimp features tender shrimp and colorful peppers in a tangy sauce, served over rice for a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for casual dinners and entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper, seeded and cut in strips
- 1 lb. large shrimp, shelled with tail section intact, deveined ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour or duck sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, trimmed, cut in 2 inch lengths ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked white rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place sesame seed on baking sheet; bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of salad oil.
- Add pepper strips and shrimp; sauté 2 minutes or until shrimp turns pink.
- Stir in sweet and sour sauce, pineapple, water chestnuts, green onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the sesame seed; heat through.
- Serve over cooked white rice.
- Garnish with green onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting the sweet and sour sauce with a homemade version using vinegar, honey, and soy sauce. You can also add vegetables like snap peas or broccoli to enhance the dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes. Make sure to not overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet 'N' Sour Shrimp over fluffy cooked white rice, allowing the sauce to soak in for added flavor. For a complete meal, pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. This dish also pairs beautifully with Szechuan Green Beans for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet 'N' Sour Shrimp contains roughly 407 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 work well! Just ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly and prevents excess moisture in the dish.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use diced jicama or even sliced bell peppers for a similar crunch. Both options will add texture to your dish without altering the flavor significantly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable-based sweet and sour sauce. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful and satisfying meal.
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).