How to Cook Chinese Shrimp with Green Onions and Garlic
Chinese cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and cooking shrimp with green onions and garlic is a delicious way to showcase these qualities. This dish is quick to prepare and makes for a delightful meal or appetizer. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to cook this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4-5 green onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the shrimp are cleaned, and the green onions are chopped into small pieces. Minced garlic should be ready to go as well. Having all ingredients precooked or pre-cut will streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat for a minute or two until it shimmers, which indicates that it's ready for cooking.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir it quickly to avoid burning, about 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without stirring, then flip them over. Shrimp cook quickly; when they turn pink and opaque, they are done. This should take about 4-5 minutes in total.
Step 5: Add Green Onions and Sauces
Once the shrimp are cooked, add the chopped green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to combine for another 1-2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil
To enhance the flavor, drizzle the sesame oil over the cooked shrimp and mix well. This gives the dish a distinct nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with seafood.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the shrimp with green onions and garlic hot over a bed of cooked rice. The rice absorbs the flavors, making it a perfect complement to the dish.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as this can make them rubbery.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, for added flavor and nutrition.
This Chinese shrimp with green onions and garlic recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. Enjoy your culinary creation, which is sure to impress family and friends alike!