Shrimp with pineapple and sweet and sour sauce

Shrimp with Pineapple and Sweet-Sour Sauce

Welcome to the fascinating world of Chinese cuisine! Today, we will indulge in a recipe that perfectly combines the delicious flavors of shrimp with the sweetness of pineapple and the savor of a sweet-sour sauce. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a window into culinary traditions that emphasize the balance of flavors and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. As the great philosopher Confucius once said, 'Food and love are the most important necessities of humanity.' Let's get started!

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g raw or cooked shrimp
- Marinade:
- 1 heaping teaspoon of flour
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg white
- 150 g fresh pineapple (about half a pineapple)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1-2 finely chopped onions
- 200 g sweet-sour sauce (available in the Asian section, but can also be made at home)
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Flour (for frying)
- Oil (for frying)
- Chopped herbs (for garnish)

Recipe preparation:

1. Cleaning the shrimp: If you chose raw shrimp, peel them and remove the intestines. If using cooked shrimp, ensure they are fresh and ready to be cooked. They will be the base of our recipe.

2. Preparing the marinade: In a bowl, add the cleaned shrimp and all the marinade ingredients: flour, cornstarch, salt, and egg white. Mix well to evenly coat the shrimp. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This marinade will help achieve a crispy and delicious texture.

3. Preparing the pineapple and vegetables: Cut the pineapple into small cubes, ensuring to remove the hard core. Slice the bell pepper thinly and finely chop the onion. These ingredients will add a fresh and crunchy note to our dish.

4. Frying the shrimp: In a wok or deep pan, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Take each shrimp from the marinade, coat it in flour, and place it in the hot oil. Fry the shrimp for about 4 minutes, turning them on all sides until they become golden and crispy. Remove them onto a plate covered with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

5. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same pan, add a tablespoon of oil and heat it. Add the onion, pineapple, and red bell pepper. Sauté the ingredients over high heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to achieve a crunchy and vibrant texture.

6. Combining the ingredients: Lower the heat and add the sweet-sour sauce to the pan. Mix well, then add the fried shrimp. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, allowing them to absorb the flavors for 2-3 minutes.

7. Serving: The dish is now ready! Serve hot, alongside plain rice or noodles (you can find the noodle recipe in our recipe section). Sprinkle some chopped herbs on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Useful tips:

- Sweet-sour sauce: If you want to make the sauce at home, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a small pot, then bring to a boil and let it cool. It's simple and delicious!
- Choosing shrimp: Prefer fresh, high-quality shrimp. Ideally, use medium-sized shrimp that cook evenly and have a better texture.
- Variations: You can add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms to diversify the recipe. Also, for a spicy note, add a few slices of chili pepper.

Nutritional benefits:

Shrimp are an excellent source of protein, containing very few calories and fats. Additionally, pineapple provides a rich supply of vitamins (especially vitamin C) and antioxidants, being an ingredient that supports the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp are a good alternative, but make sure to thaw them completely before using them in the recipe.
2. How can I make the recipe spicier? Add chili sauce or chili flakes during cooking to intensify the flavors.
3. What drinks pair well? We recommend a dry white wine or a light beer to complement the dish's flavors.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for shrimp with pineapple and sweet-sour sauce! Feel free to experiment and add your own personal touches. Enjoy your meal!