Kung Pao Shrimp with Cashews – 宮保蝦仁

This Kung Pao Shrimp recipe, or 宮保蝦仁, is a Westernized variation on a Chinese classic, featuring Shrimp and Cashews in a sweet but fiery sauce.

I have mentioned elsewhere that Kung Pao style dishes come in two basic forms. There is the classical Chinese version, and then there are more Westernized interpretations that tend to be a bit sweeter and take other liberties with the basic form. This Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe, as the name suggests, replaces the more common Chicken with Shrimp, substitutes Cashews for Peanuts, and uses a sweetened Chili Paste rather than scorched dried Chillies.

Ingredient Notes for Kung Pao Shrimp with Cashews

The Recipe Card below calls for Chili Paste. I have used a Korean Gochujang here, but use any type you like as long as it isn’t too heavily flavored with other aromatics. Just make sure you take into account the salt levels of the paste you do choose.

For the Vinegar, I have just used a regular White Vinegar. It is very sharp and will provide the right acidity in the amount given. You can use a Rice Vinegar if you like, but you may wish to increase the amount a little.

How to make 宮保蝦仁

Toss the shrimp with the cornstarch and then stir-fry quickly over high heat in a little oil along with the scallion sections. As soon as the shrimp are pink, remove everything to a separate bowl for the time being.

Add sufficient oil to the pan to make two tablespoons and as soon as it is hot, add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved. Add the chopped chili and the chili paste and fry briefly until the aroma arises.

Now add the vinegar and soy sauce and as soon as it has cooked down and thickened to a glossy sauce, add back the shrimp and scallion and then the cashews Stir for a minute or so until the shrimp are fully cooked and all is heated through. Serve immediately.

Your Recipe Card for 宮保蝦仁 :

Print Recipe

Kung Pao Shrimp

This Kung Pao Shrimp recipe is a Westernized interpretation of a Chinese classic, featuring Shrimp and Cashews in a sweet but fiery sauce.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Cashews, Chili Paste, Chillies, Rice Vinegar, Scallion, Shrimp, Sugar

Servings: 4 as one dish in a Chinese meal

Author: John Thompson

Ingredients

• ½ lb. medium Shrimp;
• 1/2 cup Cashews;
• 2 Scallions white part only, cut in 1-inch sections;
• 1 tbsp. Cornstarch;
• 2 tbsp. chopped red Chili;
• 1 tbsp. Chili paste;
• 2 tbsp. Sugar;
• 1 tbsp. Vinegar;
• 3 tbsp. Light Soy Sauce.

Instructions

• Toss the shrimp with the cornstarch, stir-fry them briefly over high heat along with the scallion, then remove to a small bowl for the moment.
• Heat two tablespoons of oil in the pan, add the Sugar, stirring until it is dissolved.
• Add the chopped Chili and the Chili paste and stir-fry until the aroma of the Chili rises.
• Add the Vinegar and Soy Sauce and reduce to a glossy sauce.
• Add back the shrimp and scallion and then the cashews. Stir for a minute or so until the shrimp are fully cooked and serve immediately.