Mandy Croft
Shrimp with snow peas is a beloved dish that perfectly embodies the balance of fresh, crisp vegetables with tender seafood. This classic Chinese-style stir-fry is not only quick and easy to make but also boasts vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a satisfying texture combination sure to delight any palate. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious weeknight dinner or a light meal that’s full of flavor, this recipe fits the bill in about 25 to 30 minutes. Let’s explore how to prepare this delicious dish and some tips to elevate it into a perfect pairing of ingredients.
Why Shrimp with Snow Peas?
Shrimp and snow peas naturally complement each other in both flavor and texture. The shrimp provide a succulent, slightly sweet seafood taste, while snow peas contribute a crisp, subtly sweet crunch. When stir-fried together with aromatics such as ginger and garlic, and dressed in a savory sauce, this dish bursts with freshness and depth.
Snow peas are also among the first vegetables to appear in spring, making this stir-fry an excellent way to enjoy seasonal produce. You might even grow your own snow peas, indulging in their fresh, sweet flavor straight from your garden before cooking.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a rundown of the common ingredients you’ll need, combining insights from popular recipes:
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, ideally fresh or thawed if frozen.
- Snow Peas: Strings removed and rinsed.
- Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic add vibrant, fragrant heat.
- Scallions: Used as garnish and cooked in the stir-fry for added brightness.
- Sauce Components: Typically soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative), chicken broth or stock, Shaoxing cooking wine or dry sherry, cornstarch (for thickening), and a pinch of sugar.
- Oils: Neutral vegetable oil (peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point) along with a finishing drizzle of toasted sesame oil for aroma.
Additional options might include white pepper and a light brine step for tender shrimp.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Marinate the Shrimp
A simple marinade of cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and salt works wonders for tenderizing the shrimp and helping the sauce coat them evenly. Allow the shrimp to rest in the marinade for 15-20 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
2. Stir-Fry Aromatics
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Quickly stir-fry minced or sliced ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds to release their aroma without burning.
3. Cook the Shrimp and Snow Peas
Add the shrimp and the marinade liquid to the hot wok, spreading them in a single layer. Stir-fry until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Then incorporate the snow peas, along with soy sauce and chicken broth or stock, stirring for another minute to retain the peas’ crispness.
4. Thicken Sauce and Finish
Mix cornstarch with a bit of liquid to create a slurry and drizzle into the wok while stirring. This step thickens the sauce quickly in under a minute, coating the shrimp and peas beautifully. Toss in sliced scallions and finish the dish with a few drops of dark roasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
5. Serve Immediately
Enjoy your shrimp with snow peas hot, ideally served over fluffy steamed jasmine or white rice.
Tips for Best Results
- Brine the shrimp briefly in salted water before cooking to enhance texture and flavor.
- Use a well-seasoned carbon steel wok for authentic stir-frying and quick heat conduction.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp or peas; shrimp should turn pink just as snow peas stay crisp-tender.
- For an extra flavor dimension, add a teaspoon of Chinese chili sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.
- Double the sauce if you prefer a bit more coating but watch the consistency — adjust cornstarch accordingly.
- Larger shrimp varieties hold up better to quick stir-frying, ensuring a juicy bite.
Nutritional Highlights
Combining lean protein with fresh veggies, shrimp and snow peas stir-fry is light but satisfying. Each serving tends to be around 190-240 calories, offering:
- High protein content (about 25-29 grams per serving)
- Low fat, with healthy fats from oils used
- A good dose of vitamin C and dietary fiber from snow peas
- Moderate sodium, so adjust soy sauce or salt as needed
A Classic Dish with Room to Customize
Shrimp with snow peas is a versatile foundation. You can add other crunchy vegetables like sliced bell peppers, bamboo shoots, or baby corn. Experimenting with different aromatics or adding small amounts of fresh herbs like cilantro can tailor it to your taste.
Ultimately, this stir-fry embodies simplicity and freshness, giving you a restaurant-style meal at home quickly and healthily. It strikes the perfect harmony between juicy shrimp, sweet crisp snow peas, and a fragrant, savory sauce — making it a go-to recipe for a delightful weeknight dinner.
Enjoy crafting this vibrant shrimp with snow peas stir-fry and delight in the harmony of flavors and textures that make it a perennial favorite!
