Make your own takeout at home in just 20-minutes with this easy recipe for Kung Pao shrimp. Juicy shrimp and crisp veggies are cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce with maximum flavor. Turn your kitchen into a Chinese restaurant tonight!
1Tablespoonsesame oil, can sub for another oil if needed, optional
1bunch green onions, sliced thin
1Tablespoonminced garlic(about 4 cloves)
½Tablespoonminced ginger
½cup dry roasted peanuts
Red pepper flakes, to taste
8dried chili peppers, optional
For serving (optional): Rice or Noodles
Instructions
Marinade
In a large bowl, stir together the shrimp, soy sauce, salt, and corn starch. Marinate 10 minutes.
Kung Pao Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
Stir-fry
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tablespoons oil and heat 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink. Transfer to a large plate. Quickly run the pan under hot water and carefully wipe down with a paper towel.
Add 1 Tablespoon oil to the skillet. Cook the bell peppers and zucchini over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender. Transfer to the plate with the shrimp.
Add sesame oil to the skillet, if needed. Add the green onions, garlic, ginger, peanuts, red pepper flakes (I start with about 1/2 teaspoon), and chili peppers, if using. Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Pour in the Kung Pao Sauce and simmer until thickened.
Return the shrimp and vegetables to the skillet. Toss until combined and simmer 1 minute until shrimp is cooked through. Add salt and red pepper flakes, to taste. Serve while hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
Shortcuts: If you're looking to save time, you can use one or more of these shortcuts.
Use 1/2 cup of a pre-made Kung Pao or Stir Fry Sauce.
You could also use pre-chopped, stir-fry vegetables.
If you don't have fresh garlic or ginger, you can use 1 teaspoon ground of each.
Storage: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.