You may already know about my Sizzling Shrimp. It’s hard to go wrong with Gulf shrimp that was caught in the wild. To make these, just marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon rind, and red pepper flakes for a while, then sauté them on a grill or pan and finish them off with one of my MAGIC ELIXIRS, which is clarified butter and hot sauce. Be sure to check out the stories for all the details. “Please tag me when you make it. I can’t wait to see it!” Let’s make twice as much, and I’ll show you what to do with the extra in my next post!
Sizzling shrimp is one of those dishes that really lives up to its name. The sound and aroma of shrimp cooking in a screaming hot wok or cast iron skillet is enough to get anyone’s mouth watering. But what exactly is sizzling shrimp and how did it become such a popular restaurant dish? Keep reading to learn all about the history preparation and enjoyment of this Asian-inspired crowd-pleaser.
A Brief History of Sizzling Shrimp
Sizzling shrimp as we know it today was likely invented in the 1950s-60s in Chinese restaurants and teppanyaki joints in the United States. It was probably inspired by traditional Cantonese dishes like salt and pepper shrimp. The sizzling effect added tableside drama and flair. Over time, the dish spread to other Asian cuisine restaurants and has become a menu staple all over America.
These days sizzling shrimp is served at many casual dining chains like Panda Express. It’s also easy to find at higher end Chinese Thai, and Japanese restaurants. Wherever you encounter it, sizzling shrimp is sure to please with its multisensory appeal.
Defining Characteristics of Sizzling Shrimp
So what sets sizzling shrimp apart from regular shrimp dishes? Here are the key elements that make it special:
- Served on a extremely hot cast iron plate
- Makes a loud sizzling sound when served
- Garnished with steamed veggies like onions and peppers
- Tossed in a sticky, sweet and savory sauce
- Aromatic ginger, garlic, and scallions seasoning
- Seared exterior with tender, juicy shrimp inside
It’s the combination of flavors, textures, sounds, and aromas that makes sizzling shrimp an unforgettable dining experience.
Traditional Preparation Methods
To make sizzling shrimp right there are some traditional preparation steps chefs follow
- Marinate raw jumbo shrimp in egg white, cornstarch, oil, and seasoning
- Heat cast iron plate over very high heat until smoking
- Sear marinated shrimp quickly to lock in juices
- Toss shrimp in wok with sauce ingredients to coat
- Pile shrimp on hot cast iron plate and garnish with veggies
- Bring sizzling creation to eager diners
Woks are the preferred cooking vessel since their shape promotes even, high-heat searing. Cast iron skillets can also be used. The key is getting the pan ripping hot before adding the shrimp.
Typical Sauces and Seasonings
The sauce is what gives sizzling shrimp its signature sticky, sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Common ingredients include:
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar or lime juice
- Brown sugar or honey
- Garlic, ginger and scallions
- Chili-garlic sauce or sriracha
- Toasted sesame oil
- Cornstarch slurry to thicken
Sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crispy fried onions are also popular garnishes. Feel free to tweak the sauce to your tastes!
Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes
To balance out the richness of sizzling shrimp, it’s usually served with:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried or steamed vegetables
- A fresh green salad
- Edamame beans or kimchi
The shrimp is certainly the star of the show, but the sides help make it a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to also pair it with an ice-cold beer, sake, or ginger ale.
Variations from Around the World
While sizzling shrimp originated in American Chinese restaurants, the cooking method and sauce variations differ worldwide:
- Thailand – chili jam, chopped peanuts, and basil
- Japan – teriyaki or yakitori style sauces
- Korea – gochujang sauce and sesame oil
- Philippines – spinach, lemon, and butter
- India – garam masala, tomato, and yogurt
There are endless ways to customize sizzling shrimp to suit local tastes and ingredients. Part of the fun is discovering new flavor combinations!
Preparing Sizzling Shrimp at Home
Want to DIY this restaurant favorite? Here are some tips:
- Use jumbo or colossal shrimp for the best presentation
- Let shrimp marinate at least 15-30 minutes
- Get your pan very hot before adding shrimp
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches
- Consider using a wire rack in the pan for maximum sizzle
- Add sauce ingredients right at the end to preserve flavors
- Garnish with veggies and herbs just before serving
With the right prep and high heat, you can create an unforgettable sizzling shrimp experiece at home. Your family and friends will be so impressed!
Is Sizzling Shrimp Healthy?
Sizzling shrimp is relatively healthy compared to other restaurant dishes. Here are some of the nutrition benefits:
- High in lean protein – builds muscle and satisfies hunger
- Low in saturated fat and calories when sauce isn’t overused
- Good source of antioxidants from ginger, garlic, onions
- Veggie garnishes provide fiber, vitamins and minerals
To make it even healthier, opt for brown rice instead of white and load up on low-calorie vegetable sides. Just watch your portion size if the sauce is very high in sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sizzling Shrimp
What type of shrimp is best to use?
Go for large shrimp like tiger shrimp or jumbo white shrimp. Large shrimp hold up well to high-heat cooking and look most impressive served sizzling.
Can I make it mild instead of spicy?
Absolutely! Just adjust the amount of chili-garlic sauce and peppers to suit your taste. Add more sugar and acid for flavor instead.
Do I need a cast iron skillet to make it?
While cast iron is ideal, a heavy stainless steel skillet or well-seasoned wok will also work. The key is getting the pan very hot.
Can I prep the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the shrimp, make the sauce, and prep any veggies a few hours in advance. Just cook everything right before serving.
How long does cooked sizzling shrimp last?
Cooked shrimp will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge but the sizzle effect is lost. It’s best served freshly made.
What drink pairs best with sizzling shrimp?
An ice-cold beer or ginger ale is a refreshing pairing. Unoaked white wines like Pinot Grigio also complement it nicely.
A Novel Dining Experience
From the sounds to the flavors to the aromas, sizzling shrimp engages all of your senses. It’s no wonder this dish has become so wildly popular at restaurants around the world. The good news is you can easily recreate the magic at home for your own sizzling platter. Just be prepared for “ooo’s” and “ahh’s” when you present it hot off the pan! Sizzling shrimp is sure to become a new favorite mealtime tradition.
