What Vegetables Are In Szechuan Shrimp? A Guide to This Spicy Chinese Dish

Szechuan shrimp is a popular Chinese restaurant dish that features tender shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy sauce. This flavorful recipe is loaded with vegetables that add texture and nutrients. But what exactly goes into an authentic szechuan shrimp recipe?

I’ve explored some popular szechuan shrimp recipes to uncover the key vegetables used in this Chinese takeout favorite. In this article, I’ll share my findings on what vegetables are in szechuan shrimp along with tips for making this dish at home.

An Overview of Szechuan Shrimp

Szechuan shrimp features shrimp that is either battered and fried or sautéed briefly and then coated in a sticky, sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce contains ingredients like chili oil or bean paste, garlic, ginger, scallions, rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and thickened with cornstarch.

While the sauce is the star of the show szechuan shrimp isn’t complete without the addition of crisp, fresh vegetables. The vegetables provide texture color, nutrients, and balance out the strong flavors of the sauce.

Common vegetables used in szechuan shrimp recipes include

• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Scallions/green onions

But the specific vegetable ingredients can vary quite a bit from recipe to recipe. The choice of vegetables depends on factors like the chef’s preferences, seasonal availability, and the specific flavors desired.

Now let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the popular vegetable options for szechuan shrimp.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are the most commonly used vegetable in szechuan shrimp recipes. Red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers are all great options.

Bell peppers add crunchy texture, vibrant color, and a touch of sweetness that balances the spice. They also contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

Popular ways to prepare bell peppers for this dish include:

• Diced – Medium or large dice work well to retain the crunch.
• Sliced – Thin slices add texture when stir-fried.
• Julienned – Thin matchsticks add a crisp element.

When stir-frying peppers for szechuan shrimp, just cook them briefly to retain their brightness and crisp-tender bite.

Onions

Onions are another vegetable staple used in szechuan shrimp. Yellow, white, or red onions can all work beautifully.

Onions add aromatic flavor, moisture, and texture. They contain fiber, vitamin C, folate, and quercetin antioxidants.

Some easy ways to prep onions for this recipe include:

• Diced
• Thin slices or half-moons
• Chopped green onions

When cooking, sauté onions just until softened and aromatic before adding the sauce and shrimp. Undercooking is better than overcooking to prevent mushy onions.

Carrots

For a pop of color and natural sweetness, carrots are a nice addition to szechuan shrimp. They also boost the nutrition with vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber.

Some easy ways to incorporate carrots include:

• Shredded or julienned – Adds crunchy texture
• Finely diced – Mixes into the sauce
• Matchsticks or coins – Fun plated garnish

Shredded or julienned carrots can be added when stir-frying the vegetables. Diced carrots are best added once the sauce comes together so they have time to soften slightly.

Garlic and Ginger

Garlic and ginger are two aromatic ingredients that are very commonly used in szechuan shrimp. They are usually cooked briefly in oil before the sauce ingredients are added.

Garlic adds a pungent bite that enhances the bold flavors of the dish. Ginger provides a subtle spiciness and bright flavor.

Together, they give the sauce complexity and depth. Garlic and ginger also offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

When prepping garlic and ginger for this recipe:

• Mince or grate the garlic and ginger to maximize flavor distribution.
• Cook just until fragrant to prevent burning.

Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are the perfect garnish for szechuan shrimp. They add a pop of color and fresh onion flavor.

In addition to garnishing, scallions can be stir-fried briefly with the other vegetables. They are also delicious when used to make homemade chili oil for the sauce.

To incorporate scallions:

• Chop the white and green parts.
• Use the greens as garnish.
• Cook the whites just until wilted.

This vegetable allium packs nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate.

Supporting Vegetables

In addition to the vegetables above, szechuan shrimp recipes sometimes include smaller amounts of supplemental ingredients.

Examples include:

• Water chestnuts – For crispy texture and crunch
• Bamboo shoots – For subtle sweetness
• Mushrooms – For meatiness and richness
• Baby corn – For visual appeal and bite

These vegetables are often included in stir-fry restaurant dishes. At home, opt for just 1 or 2 for simplicity.

Tips for Preparing Vegetables

• Cut uniformly – This ensures even cooking. Aim for a medium dice or slice thickness.

• Keep a crisp texture – Avoid overcooking. Stir-fry briefly over high heat.

• Balance colors – Use a mix of vibrant and pale vegetables.

• Season simply – A pinch of salt, pepper, or sesame oil is all you need.

• Store properly – Keep vegetables dry and cool for best freshness and crunch.

With a good mix of fresh, crisp vegetables you can achieve the classic szechuan shrimp flavor and appeal. Have fun experimenting with different vegetable lineups.

Sample Szechuan Shrimp Vegetable Combinations

There are endless options when it comes to choosing vegetables for szechuan shrimp. Here are a few tasty combos to consider:

• Diced red bell pepper, julienned carrots, and sliced scallions
• Red bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and snap peas
• Red and yellow bell peppers, diced carrot, minced garlic
• Bell pepper, shredded carrot, diced water chestnuts, and chopped onion
• Bell pepper, snap peas, diced bamboo shoots, and baby corn
• Bell pepper, mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, chopped garlic, and scallions

Aim for a mix of colors, textures, and flavors when composing your vegetable medley. Sauteing the vegetables briefly before adding the shrimp and sauce ensures they are crisp-tender.

How to Make Szechuan Shrimp at Home

Once you’ve chosen your vegetables, follow these simple steps for homemade szechuan shrimp:

Prep the ingredients – Wash, peel, seed, and chop the vegetables. Peel, devein, and pat the shrimp dry. Combine sauce ingredients.

Cook the aromatics – Heat 1-2 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the garlic, ginger, and any onion until just fragrant.

Stir-fry the vegetables – Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until starting to soften.

Simmer the sauce – Add the sauce ingredients to the pan. Let simmer until thickened.

Cook the shrimp – Turn up the heat, add the shrimp and cook until opaque.

Finish and serve – Stir in scallion garnish. Serve the szechuan shrimp over steamed rice.

With a flavorful sauce and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, you can enjoy restaurant-quality szechuan shrimp at home. Have fun exploring new vegetable combinations!