| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 12g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 4g | 25g | 1.8g |
It’s times like these, when I’m preparing something as beautiful and delightful as the Sampaloc Shrimp Stir Fry, that I truly marvel at the rich and diverse culinary landscape of New York. The city is a melting pot, not just of cultures, but also of flavors. One dish that encapsulates that melting pot for me is this vibrant, tangy, and innovative stir-fry. It’s a personal favorite and a signature dish that I’ve tweaked and perfected over the years.
Drawing Inspiration from the Unexpected
As I wander around the city, I often find myself stumbling upon culinary gems in the most unexpected corners. One such surprise was the Sampaloc or Tamarind – a fruit that is both tart and sweet. Coming across this fascinating flavor profile was like a taste of home. It reminded me of my grandmother’s lively kitchen, stirring up magic with the simplest of ingredients. This became the basis for the Sampaloc Shrimp Stir Fry, a dish that pairs perfectly with a side of jasmine rice and a bold, full-bodied Shiraz.
Nourish Your Body and Soul
What truly sets the Sampaloc Shrimp Stir Fry apart is not just its flavor, but also the health benefits it offers. Shrimp, a core ingredient in this dish, is a significant source of Omega-3 fatty acids which help improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Tamarind, on the other hand, is known for its high antioxidant content and digestion aiding properties. All these components come together to form a meal that is an absolute treat for the taste buds while being good for the body.
The colorful crunch of the peppers, the snap peas and the onions; the burst of flavor from the garlic and ginger; the tangy sweetness of the tamarind balanced out by the warmth of the soy and sesame oils – all of it brings me back to the bustling city streets and warm kitchens filled with family and unforgettable meals.
This stir fry is comparable to the liveliness of a Pad Thai or the heartiness of a classic Chinese Stir Fry. It would work phenomenally well in a multicourse meal with Gingered Pea Tea Soup as a starter and a sinfully delightful Black Sesame Ice Cream for dessert.
So come join me in celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of New York, and savor every bite of this delicious representation of what my beloved city stands for. Sampaloc Shrimp Stir Fry, a true New York gem.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups of fresh tamarind (Sampaloc), seeded and pulp removed
- 1 cup of sweet bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup of red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup of snap peas
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Jasmine rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp. Slice your sweet bell pepper and red onion, and mince the garlic. Grate the ginger, and remove the pulp from the tamarind. Set your prepared ingredients aside.
Step Two
In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over a medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your garlic, ginger, and red onion to the pan, frying until the onion becomes translucent.
Step Three
Add the shrimp to the pan, cooking until they become pink on both sides. This should take about two to three minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
Step Four
In the same pan, add the sweet bell pepper, snap peas, and tamarind. Stir-fry for about two minutes, then add your shrimp back into the pan.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will be your stir fry sauce. Pour the sauce into the pan over your stir-fry, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are coated.
Step Six
Cook your stir fry for another two to three minutes, or until the sauce has thickened, then remove from the heat.
Step Seven
Serve your Sampolac Shrimp Stir Fry over jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
