Ingredients
Sauce and Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sriracha
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated (divided)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. large/XL raw shrimp, peeled
- 3 green onions
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted and salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Kung Pao Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, chili paste, honey, and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger until fully combined to create the kung pao sauce.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled shrimp in a gallon-size bag or large bowl, pour half of the kung pao sauce over them and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add cornstarch to the remaining kung pao sauce and whisk until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Set the sauce aside for later use during cooking.
- Prepare Green Onions: Discard the root ends of the green onions. Slice the white parts lengthwise into thin strips about 3 inches long, and mince the green tops separately. Set both aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Once hot, add the white parts of the green onions, season lightly with salt, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Aromatics and Peppers: Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, and remaining 0.5 tablespoon grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften but remain crisp. Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Drain Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the refrigerator, strain them through a colander to discard the marinade, and set the shrimp aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat the skillet again over medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. When hot, add all the shrimp and cook without stirring for 1 minute before flipping. Pour the reserved thickened kung pao sauce with cornstarch over the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Toss: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together to combine evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the kung pao shrimp mixture to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts, minced green onions, and fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 1 hour to maintain texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the peppers to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Adjust sriracha and chili paste to suit your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lime juice to enhance the brightness of the dish before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese