Recipe for Cantonese-style Shrimp with Garlic: A Flavorful Seafood Delight

1. What is Cantonese-style Shrimp with Garlic?

Cantonese cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavors, and one of the most popular seafood dishes is Cantonese-style shrimp with garlic. This dish combines the natural sweetness of fresh shrimp with the bold flavor of garlic, creating a savory yet aromatic experience. The shrimp is typically stir-fried with a few simple ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and scallions, allowing the garlic to shine without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, yet it brings a restaurant-quality taste to your table.

2. Ingredients for Cantonese-style Shrimp with Garlic

To make this dish at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh Shrimp: Choose large, fresh shrimp (preferably shell-on for added flavor).
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that rich, aromatic taste that defines this dish.
• Ginger: Adds a slight warmth and freshness that complements the garlic perfectly.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami depth to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: A small drizzle adds a nutty flavor that enhances the shrimp.
• Scallions: Offers a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
• Rice Wine or Shaoxing Wine: This is optional but adds a nice balance and richness to the sauce.
• Chili (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, a sliced chili pepper can be added.

These ingredients can be found at most Asian grocery stores or ordered online from specialty retailers.

3. Step-by-Step Recipe for Cantonese-style Shrimp with Garlic

Making Cantonese-style shrimp with garlic is simple and quick. Here’s how you can prepare it in a few easy steps:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the shells on for added flavor. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop the garlic, ginger, and scallions. If you’re using chili, slice it thinly.
3. Heat the Wok: Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of sesame oil.
4. Stir-fry the Aromatics: Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and chili (if using) to the hot wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the wok in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Add Soy Sauce and Rice Wine: Pour in a splash of soy sauce and a bit of rice wine (if using), and stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld together.
7. Garnish and Serve: Toss in the chopped scallions and stir for a few seconds before removing the dish from heat. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

In just 15-20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, aromatic dish ready to serve that captures the essence of Cantonese flavors.

4. Tips for Making Perfect Cantonese-style Shrimp with Garlic

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Cantonese-style shrimp with garlic:

• Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the dish will taste. If possible, opt for shrimp that’s just been peeled and deveined.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re pink and opaque.
• Balance the Flavors: Ensure that the garlic doesn’t overpower the shrimp. The soy sauce should be the perfect amount of saltiness, while the ginger and sesame oil should add depth without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the shrimp.
• Customize the Heat: If you like a spicier kick, add a few more chilies or a drizzle of chili oil to the dish.

5. Where to Buy Ingredients for Cantonese-style Shrimp with Garlic

To make this delicious Cantonese-style shrimp with garlic dish at home, you’ll need some specialty ingredients. Most of the ingredients, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine, can be found at your local grocery store. For the freshest shrimp and some of the more specific items, like Shaoxing wine or specialty spices, you can visit an Asian market or order online. A great resource for high-quality Chinese ingredients is GoChinaRose, where you can find everything you need to make authentic Cantonese dishes at home.