Garlicky Shrimp and Bok Choy Stir-Fry with a Savory Sauce
Shrimp and Bok Choy Braise: A Delicious Chinese-Inspired Dish
This is a braised side dish made with bok choy and frozen shrimp, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Adding a cornstarch slurry gives it a glossy finish, reminiscent of authentic Chinese cooking. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp bok choy, and a savory-sweet sauce makes it a delightful accompaniment to rice.
Main Ingredients- 10 frozen shrimp (medium-sized)
- 3 heads of bok choy
- 1 red chili pepper
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cornstarch Slurry- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the red chili pepper after removing the seeds. Trim the base of the bok choy heads, and cut larger leaves in half or into thirds for bite-sized pieces. This preparation ensures the sauce coats everything evenly and enhances the flavor.
Step 2
Thaw the frozen shrimp by soaking them in water. Once thawed, remove the tails and rinse the shrimp thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Properly drying the shrimp prevents a fishy odor and allows the sauce to adhere better.
Step 3
Let’s make the delicious braising sauce. In a small bowl, combine 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp oyster sauce, and 3 Tbsp water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. This simple mixture creates a deeply flavorful and balanced sauce.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat. Pour in the prepared braising sauce and bring it to a simmer. Once the sauce is bubbling, you’re ready for the next steps.
Step 5
Add the thawed shrimp and chopped red chili pepper to the simmering sauce. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
Step 6
When the shrimp are about half-cooked, whisk together 1 Tbsp cornstarch and 3 Tbsp water to create the cornstarch slurry. Pour about 3 Tbsp of this slurry into the pan while stirring constantly. This will thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy sheen and allowing it to coat the ingredients beautifully. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another minute until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7
Finally, add the prepared bok choy to the pan. Stir gently and cook for just about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the bok choy is slightly wilted but still crisp. Overcooking will make it mushy, so aim for a tender-crisp texture. Ensure the bok choy is well coated with the sauce.
Step 8
Transfer the finished shrimp and bok choy braise to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately with hot rice for a satisfying meal.
