Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Crispy, battered shrimp tossed in a vibrant, tangy sweet and sour sauce with colorful bell peppers, onions, and sweet pineapple chunks. A beloved Chinese-American takeout classic you can easily make at home.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Batter and Coat the Shrimp
- b.Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and white pepper.
- d.Add the lightly beaten egg and 1/4 cup of cold water. Whisk until the batter is smooth and has the consistency of a thin pancake.
- e.Add the dry shrimp to the batter and toss gently to ensure each piece is fully coated.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Shrimp
- b.In a wok or deep skillet, heat 3 cups of oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is highly recommended for best results.
- c.Working in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil one by one.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the batter is a light golden brown and crispy.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Do not place on paper towels, as this can make them steam and lose crispiness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables and Thicken the Sauce
- b.Carefully pour the hot frying oil into a heatproof container to cool before discarding. Wipe the wok clean.
- c.Place the wok back over high heat and add 1 tbsp of fresh vegetable oil. When it shimmers, add the onion and bell peppers.
- d.Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant and crisp-tender.
- e.Give the prepared sauce mixture a quick stir and pour it into the wok. Bring to a simmer.
- f.In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce.
- g.Continue to cook and stir for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve Immediately
- b.Turn off the heat. Add the drained pineapple chunks and the crispy fried shrimp to the wok.
- c.Gently toss everything together for 30-60 seconds, just enough to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
- d.Transfer immediately to a serving platter to prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy.
- e.Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest shrimp, ensure they are completely dry before battering. Moisture is the enemy of a crispy coating.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in batches keeps the oil temperature high, which is key for a non-greasy, crispy result.
- 3Stir-frying is a fast process. Have all your ingredients chopped and measured (mise en place) before you start cooking.
- 4Serve the dish immediately after tossing the shrimp in the sauce. The crispy coating will soften the longer it sits.
- 5Using cold water for the batter helps create a lighter, crispier texture when fried.
- 6A cooking thermometer is your best friend for frying. Maintaining an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) is crucial.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, pork loin, or firm tofu. Adjust frying time accordingly.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or snow peas. Add them with the bell peppers.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
For a bit of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
To make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Source of Vitamin C
Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and aids in iron absorption.
Provides Essential Minerals
Shrimp contains important minerals like selenium, which acts as an antioxidant, and iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function and metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Sweet and Sour Shrimp is more of an indulgent dish than a health food. While shrimp and vegetables offer nutrients, the dish is high in sugar from the sauce and fat from deep-frying. It can be enjoyed as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.