Sweet and Sour Shrimp – Crispy Shrimp with a Tangy Glaze

Difficulty: Medium   |   Servings: 4   |   Prep Time: 20 minutes   |   Cook Time: 15 minutes

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Shrimp is a vibrant Asian dish that balances crispy shrimp with a glossy, flavorful sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. It’s quick to prepare, colorful on the plate, and bursting with tangy-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. A great alternative to takeout that you can master at home!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 500g (1.1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• ¼ cup pineapple juice (optional for depth)

Vegetables (optional but traditional):

• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ onion, chopped
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

Instructions

1. Marinate and Fry the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with soy sauce, white pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat.
3. Coat shrimp lightly with cornstarch and fry in batches until golden and crispy (2–3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice if using.
2. Pour the mixture into a clean wok or saucepan over medium heat.
3. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook until glossy (2–3 minutes).

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables (Optional)

1. In a clean pan or wok, stir-fry bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks in a tablespoon of oil for 3–4 minutes until tender but crisp.
2. Add the thickened sweet and sour sauce and toss to coat.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Add fried shrimp to the sauce and vegetables. Toss quickly to coat evenly (do not overcook to keep shrimp crispy).
2. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Healthier option: Air-fry or pan-sear the shrimp instead of deep frying.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace shrimp with tofu or cauliflower florets.
• Extra tang: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the sauce.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 20g