Imagine a dish that captures the vibrant energy of Hong Kong's bustling street food scene right in your own kitchen - a sizzling plate of succulent shrimp drenched in a tantalizing chili tomato sauce that promises to transport your senses to the heart of Chinese culinary excellence. This Hong Kong Shrimp in Chili Tomato Sauce is not just a recipe; it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure the shrimp is peeled and deveined, and set it aside in a bowl. Mince the garlic cloves and have your sauces (ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil) ready to use.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create the chili tomato sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up for about a minute until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Stir-fry the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp is cooked, pour the chili tomato sauce mixture over the shrimp in the skillet. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the sesame oil over the shrimp and give it a final stir.
- Serve the Hong Kong Shrimp in Chili Tomato Sauce immediately, either on its own or over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Always buy fresh, high-quality shrimp and pat them completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should turn pink and opaque, which typically takes just 3-4 minutes.
- Use a high-heat cooking method like stir-frying to maintain the shrimp's tender texture and prevent rubberiness.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the chili sauce quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg