Don’t skimp on the shrimp!

I found this recipe in The Asian Kitchen by Lilian Wu (2001). I appreciate the ease of stir frying – especially when I take the time to prep all the ingredients ahead of time. It’s a beautifully illustrated cookbook with step by step directions and helpful ingredient explanations. Still available through Amazon and used book sites.

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Snow Peas

1¼ cups fish stock*

12 ounces raw tiger shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

8 ounces (2 cups) snow peas

¼ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon dry sherry

1 teaspoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon cold water

¼ teaspoon sesame oil

Bring the fish stock to a boil in a frying pan. Add the shrimp. Cook gently for 2 minutes, until the shrimp have turned pink, then drain and set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick frying pan or wok. Add the chopped garlic and cook for a few seconds, then add the snow peas. Sprinkle with salt. Stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the shrimp and sherry to the pan/wok. Stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the oyster sauce. Mix the cornstarch and sugar to a paste with cold water. Add the mixture to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve.

Note: Any variety of shrimp will do but aim for medium-large (36-40 per pound) or large (31-25 per pound). Substitute cut up broccoli florets or asparagus for snow peas.

Missing? Onions. While I added a handful, more would have been even better!

Serves 4.

Don’t have fish stock? You can make your own by simply boiling shrimp shells in water OR you can use half/half water with chicken or beef broth.

Note: dry sherry is not the same as cooking sherry. Pick up a dry sherry in the liquor department. It will last for months. Ditto, sesame oil is not the same as vegetable oil. You will find it in the Asian food isle. Refrigerate after you open it. You may need to let the bottle sit for several minutes to liquify after it has been refrigerated.