| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 10g | 3g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 4g | 35g | 1.2g |
The beauty of this Paracress and Shrimp Stir-fry lies in its marriage of Midwestern farm-to-table freshness with the zest of Asian cuisine. Born and raised in Nebraska, the heartland of America, I have a particular fondness for recipes that are wholesome, full of flavor, and cater to a family setting, just like this one. This colorful and nutritious dish reflects my love for comfort food with a twist.
Unveiling Paracress and Shrimp Stir-fry
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the paracress, also known as Spilanthes Oleracea. This vibrant flowering herb brings a unique peppery flavor to the dish, which brilliantly complements the sweet notes of the fresh pineapple and the succulent shrimp. The dish oozes a warm, hearty aesthetic — a sight that always takes me back to the comforting home-cooked meals of my mother’s kitchen back in Nebraska.
A Healthy Bounty
The Paracress and Shrimp Stir-fry isn’t just a visually appealing dish; it’s a nutritional powerhouse too. Shrimps, the main ingredient, are packed with high-quality protein and several important minerals, including iodine and selenium. They are also exceptionally low in calories which makes this a great recipe for those watching their weight. The paracress, full of vitamin C, supports immune health and boosts your antioxidant levels. Meanwhile, the bell peppers and pineapple contribute a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber, promoting excellent overall health.
This vibrant dish is quite similar to a classic stir-fry or the Chinese Kung Pao Shrimp, but with the unique addition of paracress and pineapples. The Paracress and Shrimp Stir-fry is undeniably a stand-alone dish but it would also complement well with a bowl of Jasmine rice or brown rice if you prefer whole grains. You can even pair it with some wheat noodles for a complete fulfilling meal that will transport you straight to the bustling food markets of Southeast Asia.
So, here’s to the wholesome, heartland cooking style that I loved from my upbringing, now fused with international flavors that I’ve grown to admire, inside one wholesome dish – the Paracress and Shrimp Stir-fry. It’s not just a recipe. It’s a testament to my love for the comfort and simplicity of Midwest cooking, and my unending curiosity and respect for global cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of Paracress (Spilanthes Oleracea), chopped
- 1 cup of fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Begin by heating up the vegetable oil in a large skillet at medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and the minced ginger. Stir these around until they become fragrant, which should take about a minute.
Step Two
Next, add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté it until it starts to soften and become translucent. This will likely take about 5 minutes. After that, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and continue to sauté until they are tender. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step Three
Then, add the jumbo shrimp to the skillet. Cook it while stirring often until the shrimp become opaque. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside in a separate bowl for now.
Step Four
In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Stir it continuously until it begins to thicken to create your stir-fry sauce. This will likely take about 2 minutes.
Step Five
Now, return the shrimp to the skillet, and add in the chopped Paracress and the diced pineapple. Stir everything together so all parts of the stir-fry are coated in the sauce and heated through.
Step Six
Finally, taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning if necessary. To serve it, sprinkle it with the chopped fresh cilantro as a garnish. Your Paracress and Shrimp Stir-fry is now ready to be enjoyed!
