Introduction
Fried Shrimp with Cashew is a flavorful and satisfying dish that perfectly combines crispy shrimp, crunchy cashews, and tender stir-fried vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. The contrast of textures—crispy seafood, nutty crunch, and tender vegetables—makes this dish a favorite in many Asian-inspired meals. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or cooking for guests, this easy-to-follow recipe will bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. Now, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
First, gather the ingredients for the shrimp. You will need:
- 250g (1/2 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, to coat the shrimp for crispiness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to enhance flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, for a hint of spice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, to add depth to the seasoning
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten, which helps the cornstarch stick to the shrimp
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Stir-Fry:
Next, prepare the ingredients for the stir-fry. You will need:
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts, which add a delicious crunch
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced for a mild sweetness
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced to provide color and texture
- 1 carrot, cut into thin strips for a slight sweetness and crunch
- 2 garlic cloves, minced for added fragrance and flavor
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, to sauté the vegetables
For the Sauce:
Finally, mix the ingredients for the sauce. You will need:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, as the base of the sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, for a rich, umami flavor
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional), to add a slight sweetness
- 1 teaspoon sugar, to balance the flavors
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, for a hint of nuttiness
- 2 tablespoons water, to slightly thin out the sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Shrimp
First, clean the shrimp thoroughly by rinsing them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, place the shrimp in a mixing bowl. Then, add the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated.
After that, pour in the lightly beaten egg white and mix well. The egg white helps the cornstarch stick to the shrimp, creating a crispy texture when fried. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Frying the Shrimp
Meanwhile, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of cornstarch into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
Now, carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil, one by one, ensuring they do not stick together. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove the shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. Set aside while you move on to the next step.
3. Toasting the Cashews
While the shrimp are resting, heat a clean, dry pan over medium heat. Add the cashew nuts and toast them for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn them—once they turn golden and fragrant, remove them from the pan immediately and set them aside.
4. Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Next, in the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Then, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while still retaining some crunch.
After that, add the minced garlic and continue stirring for another 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. At this point, your kitchen should be filled with a delicious aroma!
5. Making the Sauce
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, sesame oil, and water. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set this sauce aside, as it will be added in the final step.
6. Bringing Everything Together
Now, it’s time to combine all the ingredients. First, add the crispy shrimp back into the pan with the stir-fried vegetables. Then, pour the prepared sauce evenly over the shrimp and vegetables.
Immediately, toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Finally, add the toasted cashews and give everything a final toss. The cashews should remain crunchy, so it’s important to add them at the last moment.
7. Serving the Dish
Once everything is well combined, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Fried Shrimp with Cashew onto a serving plate.
For the best experience, serve this dish immediately while it’s still hot. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy your homemade restaurant-style dish!
