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Sweet and Sour Shrimp – Sweet Sour Shrimp
Sweet sour shrimp brings together the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors in one irresistible dish. This vibrant recipe combines succulent shrimp with crisp bell peppers, juicy pineapple chunks, and a glossy sauce that coats every bite beautifully. Ready in just 25 minutes, this sweet sour shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need something delicious fast
- Colorful presentation with red, yellow, and green bell peppers creates an appetizing visual appeal
- Balanced flavors combining sweet pineapple, tangy vinegar, and savory soy sauce satisfy every taste bud
- Healthy protein-packed meal with fresh vegetables provides excellent nutritional value
- Versatile serving options work perfectly over rice, noodles, or even as a standalone dish
Why This Sweet Sour Shrimp Recipe Works
This sweet sour shrimp recipe succeeds because it balances flavors expertly. The brown sugar provides sweetness while rice vinegar adds the perfect tang. Soy sauce brings umami depth that complements the natural sweetness of shrimp and pineapple.
The cooking method ensures tender shrimp every time. By cooking shrimp first and removing them, you prevent overcooking while the vegetables sauté. This technique keeps shrimp juicy and perfectly textured.
Fresh pineapple chunks add natural sweetness and acidity. The fruit’s enzymes also help tenderize the shrimp slightly, creating an incredibly tender final dish. Bell peppers provide crunch and vibrant color contrast.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Sweet Sour Shrimp
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large shrimp | 1 lb, peeled and deveined | Main protein, provides meaty texture |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup, mixed colors | Adds crunch and vibrant color |
| Fresh pineapple | 1 cup chunks | Natural sweetness and acidity |
| Medium onion | 1, chopped | Aromatic base flavor |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 3 tbsp | Umami and saltiness |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp | Tangy sourness |
| Brown sugar | 3 tbsp | Sweetness and caramelization |
| Cornstarch | 2 tsp | Sauce thickening agent |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | Cooking medium |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet or wok | High-heat cooking and tossing ingredients |
| Mixing bowl | Combining sauce ingredients |
| Whisk | Blending sauce until smooth |
| Sharp knife | Chopping vegetables and pineapple |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for ingredient preparation |
How to Make Sweet Sour Shrimp
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Prep | Gather all ingredients and chop bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces |
| Step 2: Make Sauce | In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth |
| Step 3: Cook Shrimp | Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp until pink (about 3 minutes), then remove |
| Step 4: Sauté Vegetables | In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened |
| Step 5: Combine | Return shrimp to pan with pineapple chunks; pour sauce and stir until heated through (2 minutes) |
| Step 6: Serve | Serve immediately over rice or noodles while hot |
The key to perfect sweet sour shrimp lies in timing. Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they continue cooking when returned to the pan. Keep vegetables slightly crisp for the best texture contrast.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent oil splatter
- Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for superior flavor and texture that won’t become mushy
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook since this recipe moves quickly once heated
- Adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or sourness with extra rice vinegar to taste
- Serve immediately while hot to maintain the crisp texture of vegetables and tender shrimp
Serving and Storage Tips for Sweet Sour Shrimp
Serving Tips
Serve your sweet sour shrimp over steamed jasmine rice for a classic presentation. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, try it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish beautifully.
This dish pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired sides. Try it alongside creamy garlic shrimp pasta for a seafood feast or serve with steamed vegetables.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Avoid microwaving as it can make shrimp rubbery.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Sweet Sour Shrimp
Overcooking shrimp is the most common mistake. Shrimp cook incredibly fast and become tough when overdone. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.
Don’t skip the cornstarch in the sauce. It helps thicken the mixture and creates that glossy, restaurant-style coating that clings to ingredients perfectly.
Avoid using frozen pineapple chunks as they release too much water and become mushy. Fresh pineapple maintains its texture and provides better flavor concentration.
Never crowd the pan when cooking shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and even cooking throughout.
You Must Know
- Always buy shrimp from reputable sources and check for freshness by smell and appearance
- Remove shrimp tails before cooking for easier eating, especially when serving over rice
- Taste the sauce before adding to adjust sweetness and sourness to your preference
- This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings but cook in batches to maintain quality
Suggestions for Sweet Sour Shrimp
Transform this basic recipe by adding different vegetables. Try snap peas, water chestnuts, or baby corn for varied textures and flavors. Each addition brings unique crunch and nutritional benefits.
For heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce. The spice complements the sweet and sour flavors beautifully without overwhelming the dish.
Make it a complete meal by serving with ultimate chicken casserole for variety. The combination creates a satisfying dinner spread.
For inspiration from professional chefs, check out these sweet and sour shrimp variations or explore glazed shrimp techniques from Food Network.
FAQs:
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry thoroughly before cooking. Frozen shrimp often contain more water, which can make the dish watery if not properly drained.
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a C-shape. They should feel firm but not hard. Overcooked shrimp curl into tight circles and become rubbery.
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance. Cook just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent shrimp from becoming tough.
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work as substitutes, but use slightly less as they’re more acidic than rice vinegar. Start with 1.5 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Check your soy sauce label, as many contain wheat. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free while maintaining the authentic flavor.
Conclusion
This sweet sour shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. With its perfect balance of flavors, colorful presentation, and quick cooking time, it’s destined to become a family favorite.
The combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and glossy sauce creates a satisfying meal that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Remember to keep ingredients prepped and ready, as this dish cooks quickly once you start.
Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or looking to expand your recipe collection, this sweet sour shrimp provides an excellent foundation for culinary creativity. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and serving options to make it uniquely yours.
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📖 Recipe Card
Sweet Sour Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and flavorful sweet sour shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp, crisp bell peppers, and fresh pineapple in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Bell peppers, mixed colors
- 1 cup Fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 Medium onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep – Gather all ingredients and chop bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces
- Step 2: Make Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth
- Step 3: Cook Shrimp – Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp until pink (about 3 minutes), then remove
- Step 4: Sauté Vegetables – In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened
- Step 5: Combine – Return shrimp to pan with pineapple chunks; pour sauce and stir until heated through (2 minutes)
- Step 6: Serve – Serve immediately over rice or noodles while hot
Notes
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent oil splatter
- Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for superior flavor and texture that won’t become mushy
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook since this recipe moves quickly once heated
- Don’t overcook the shrimp as they continue cooking when returned to the pan – keep vegetables slightly crisp for best texture contrast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: sweet sour shrimp, shrimp recipe, sweet and sour, quick dinner, Asian-inspired, pineapple shrimp, stir fry
