Marinated shrimp are combined with Chinese greens (bok choy) and mushrooms in this simple stir fry that shows off the natural flavor of the fish and vegetables. This makes a complete meal for two when served with rice, or part of a multicourse meal for three or more.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 - 3/4 pound shrimp
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 pound Chinese greens (bok choy)
- 4 ounces fresh mushrooms, or 6 Chinese dried mushrooms (also called dried Shiitake mushrooms)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil for stir-frying, or as needed
- 2 thin slices ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chicken broth, sodium-reduced if possible
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Preparation:
1. If using frozen shrimp, defrost in the refrigerator. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a bowl and add the rice wine or sherry, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cornstarch, stirring in one direction (this is to make sure the marinade spreads evenly.)
2. Chop the bok choy stalks diagonally and the leaves across into 1 inch pieces. Wipe the mushrooms with a cloth or soft brush and cut into thin slices. If using Chinese dried mushrooms, soak in hot water for 20 minutes to soften. Drain the softened mushrooms, remove the stems and cut into quarters.
3. Preheat the wok and add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until aromatic, then add the prawns. Stir-fry until they turn pink. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan.
4. Add a bit more oil if needed so that there is about 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in the wok. Add the bok choy, mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir-fry for 1 minute (Note: add a small amount of water or rice wine if the vegetables are a bit dry). Add the chicken broth, cover and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Add the shrimp back into the pan. Add the sugar, soy sauce, and pepper. Give the cornstarch/water mixture a quick restir and add in the middle, stirring to thicken. Cook, stirring for another minute and serve hot.
2. Chop the bok choy stalks diagonally and the leaves across into 1 inch pieces. Wipe the mushrooms with a cloth or soft brush and cut into thin slices. If using Chinese dried mushrooms, soak in hot water for 20 minutes to soften. Drain the softened mushrooms, remove the stems and cut into quarters.
3. Preheat the wok and add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until aromatic, then add the prawns. Stir-fry until they turn pink. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan.
4. Add a bit more oil if needed so that there is about 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in the wok. Add the bok choy, mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir-fry for 1 minute (Note: add a small amount of water or rice wine if the vegetables are a bit dry). Add the chicken broth, cover and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Add the shrimp back into the pan. Add the sugar, soy sauce, and pepper. Give the cornstarch/water mixture a quick restir and add in the middle, stirring to thicken. Cook, stirring for another minute and serve hot.
