Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Gourmet Delight
Shrimp and Garlic Stir-Fry: Elevate Your Home Cooking!
Experience the irresistible spicy kick combined with the savory depth of fresh shrimp and abundant garlic in this Shrimp Garlic Stir-Fry. This dish is perfect for creating an impressive meal with simple ingredients, serving as a fantastic side dish for rice or a delightful accompaniment to your favorite beverages. Try this recipe when you crave a special, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Main Ingredients- 18 large fresh shrimp (choose plump and fresh ones)
- 1/2 cup garlic cloves (about 10-15 cloves; fresh garlic enhances the flavor)
- 3 Korean green chili peppers (for a spicy touch)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color)
- 1.5 Tbsp all-purpose flour (helps prevent oil splattering and keeps shrimp tender)
- Tteokbokki rice cakes (optional, great for utilizing leftover sauce)
Seasoning & Others- 2 slices butter (approx. 30g, adds richness)
- Olive oil, as needed (for stir-frying shrimp and garlic)
- 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust spiciness to your preference)
- 1/4 Tbsp curry powder (for an exotic aroma)
- 2 slices butter (approx. 30g, adds richness)
- Olive oil, as needed (for stir-frying shrimp and garlic)
- 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust spiciness to your preference)
- 1/4 Tbsp curry powder (for an exotic aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, prepare your ingredients: 18 fresh shrimp, 1/2 cup of whole garlic cloves, 3 Korean green chili peppers, and 1 red chili pepper. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Rinse the shrimp thoroughly. Using kitchen scissors, make a shallow cut along the middle of the shrimp’s back to devein it, then remove the shells. This process ensures a more tender texture.
Step 3
Prepare the garlic: thinly slice about half of the cloves and roughly chop the rest. This dual approach adds both texture and flavor. Seed the green and red chili peppers and chop them finely.
Step 4
Lightly coat the prepared shrimp with 1.5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Gently toss them with your hands to ensure the flour evenly coats each shrimp. This step helps reduce oil splatter during cooking and locks in the shrimp’s juices for a more succulent result.
Step 5
Now, let’s combine the seasonings. Sprinkle 1/3 tablespoon of red pepper flakes and 1/4 tablespoon of curry powder over the floured shrimp. Toss gently to distribute the spices evenly. Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste for heat and flavor.
Step 6
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 slices of butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; cook until a subtle aroma is released.
Step 7
Once the sliced garlic is lightly browned, add the chopped green and red chili peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry them together for about 1 minute until fragrant and their colors are vibrant.
Step 8
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. As the shrimp begin to turn pink and cook, sprinkle a little more red pepper flakes and curry powder over them to enhance the flavor. (Be mindful that the initial seasoning on the shrimp doesn’t stick to the pan.)
Step 9
Finally, add a bit more olive oil and the roughly chopped garlic. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the garlic is well incorporated and doesn’t burn. The key is to achieve a harmonious blend of all the flavors.
Step 10
Your delicious Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is ready! Serve it over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty meal, or pair it with freshly baked bread for a delightful experience. It’s also an elegant dish perfect as an appetizer or alongside drinks.
Step 11
If you have any leftover shrimp heads or sauce, you can make a delightful side dish using tteokbokki rice cakes. Add the rice cakes to the leftover sauce and simmer briefly until they absorb the delicious flavors.
Step 12
Lastly, cut steamed eggplant (prepared separately) into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet along with 1 Tbsp of soy sauce. Stir-fry to combine. If there are any residual flavors in the pan from cooking the shrimp, add a little shrimp broth or water to help meld the ingredients. Once everything is cooked through, turn off the heat and garnish with sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds. Alternatively, you can add rice instead of rice cakes and mix it in for another delicious variation using the leftover sauce!
