🍽️ How to Make Yuxiang Shrimp (Fish-Fragrant Shrimp)

🧆 Ingredients

• 300g fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 bell pepper (julienned)
• 2 tablespoons Yuxiang sauce (or mix: doubanjiang, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

🍳 Steps

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Remove any remaining shell or vein. Toss shrimp with cooking wine, a pinch of salt, and cornstarch to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes. This helps the shrimp stay tender and gives a silky texture after cooking.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and julienne the carrot and bell pepper into thin strips for even cooking. Chop green onions, mince garlic and ginger. Set all ingredients within reach before starting to cook.

3. Stir-Fry Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic, ginger, and doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste). Stir-fry quickly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the aromatics.

4. Cook Vegetables: Add the julienned carrot and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until just softened but still crisp. This keeps the vegetables vibrant and adds texture to the dish.

5. Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to high. Add the marinated shrimp to the wok. Stir-fry rapidly, turning the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes. Do not overcook—shrimp are done as soon as they curl and lose their translucent appearance.

6. Make the Sauce: Push the shrimp and vegetables to the sides of the wok. Pour Yuxiang sauce (or the mixture of doubanjiang, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar) into the center. Stir to combine, letting the sauce bubble for 30 seconds to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients evenly.

7. Finish: Add chopped green onions. Toss everything together for another 20 seconds to blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

💡 Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for best texture.
• Adjust sugar and vinegar for preferred balance of sweet and sour.
• Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
• Serve immediately for optimal flavor.