| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 9g | 2g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 29g | 1.8g |
There are few dishes that embody the vibrant blend of my culinary heritage quite like the Purple Bauhinia and Shrimp Stir-fry. With its beautiful array of colors, it immediately captures the eye, and the flavors continue the sensory journey. It draws on the robust, delicate deliciousness of shrimp, a staple in Southern cuisine and partners it with the exotic flavors of Purple Bauhinia, an edible flower that adds a tropical, West African flair to the dish.
Every time I make this recipe, I am reminded of the warm, flavorful meals in my Atlanta home, replete with the lively flavors of the South and an exciting twist of Motherland spices.
The Art of Afro-Southern Fusion
This recipe is a marriage of two vastly different culinary worlds – the comfort and spice of Southern food with the bold and exciting flavors of West Africa. The result is a balanced, flavorful blend wrapped up in one glorious stir-fry.
Similar in essence to a Creole shrimp stir-fry or even a Jambalaya, this dish differentiates itself with the unique addition of Purple Bauhinia flowers. These edible flowers bring a floral note while adding a color pop to the dish, transforming it into an edible work of art.
Health and Flavors Hand in Hand
Not only is this dish explosively flavorful, it’s also healthy. Shrimp is a terrific source of protein, while the Purple Bauhinia is packed with antioxidants, thus making this meal a delicious way to nourish your body. The honey and orange in the recipe, while subtly sweetening the dish, also provide a vitamin C boost, enhancing your immune system while delighting the palate. Because our bodies require more than just physical sustenance, this recipe truly fulfills both requirements – filling you up with not just hearty goodness, but also nurturing your soul. You can learn more about the health benefits of these ingredients through this excellent overview on Healthline.
The Purple Bauhinia and Shrimp Stir-fry pairs perfectly with a simple side of basmati rice and would go well with a light mesclun salad for a complete, balanced meal. Whether you’re longing for a taste of home or eager to try something new and exciting, this stir-fry is sure to ignite your taste buds and transport you to places both familiar and exotic. I hope you love it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups purple bauhinia flowers, plucked and rinsed
- 1 large white onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (preferably red and orange for color contrast)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup basmati rice, cooked according to package instructions
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your shrimp; make sure they are properly peeled, deveined, and rinsed. Set them aside for later. Likewise, pluck and rinse your purple bauhinia flowers, ensuring they are clean.
Step Two
Heat a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat and add your olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add your sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
Step Three
In a small bowl, combine your soy sauce, honey, ginger, the zest and juice of your orange, and your red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well mixed.
Step Four
Now, add your bell peppers to the pan and sauté until slightly softened. Then, add your shrimp to the pan and sauté until they are pink and cooked through.
Step Five
Pour your soy sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables in the pan and stir well, ensuring everything is generously coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Throw in the purple bauhinia flowers and stir-fry for another minute, allowing the flowers to slightly wilt.
Step Seven
To serve, plate up your cooked basmati rice and top it with the shrimp and vegetable stir-fry. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve immediately.
That’s it! Enjoy your Purple Bauhinia and Shrimp Stir-fry. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly refreshing!
