| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 15g | 2.5g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 3g | 24g | 1.2g |
I’m excited to share a recipe that’s particularly close to my heart: the Spicy Chaya and Shrimp Stir-Fry. This dish is a satisfying blend of Southern warmth and African spices that resonates with the duality of my heritage. Raised in the heart of Atlanta with a rich Nigerian heritage courtesy of my parents, I find deep joy in crafting recipes that mirror both my worlds, such as this one.
The Flavors that Resonate
The Spicy Chaya and Shrimp Stir-Fry is like a song of deception. Its melody echoes simplicity, but the lyrics narrate a complex symphony of flavors that really tease the senses. The sweet warmth from the bell peppers and onions harmonizes with the zesty kick from the serrano peppers. To top it all off, the tropical burst from pineapple and mango chunks contrast yet complement the seafood essence of the gorgeous shrimps. And let’s not forget about the underrated star of the show — chaya leaves. This leafy vegetable, native to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, adds a unique tint of green, earthy goodness that elevates this dish to a whole other level.
Nutritional Benefits and Pairings
Besides delivering an explosive flavor profile, the Spicy Chaya and Shrimp Stir-Fry promises a myriad of health benefits, thanks to its cocktail of nutrient-packed ingredients. With shrimp being a great source of iodine and lean protein, and chaya leaves bustling with antioxidants, every bite serves as fuel for your body source. The stir-fry also contains a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, providing you with a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
If you’re thinking about the perfect meal accompaniment, I can’t recommend Jollof rice enough. This West African staple pairs exceptionally with the Spicy Chaya and Shrimp Stir-Fry, creating a gastronomic experience reminiscent of a warm, vibrant African market source. For my vegan friends, substituting shrimp with tofu works equally well in retaining the texture and robust flavors of the dish.
There you have it — my love for the Spicy Chaya and Shrimp Stir-Fry encapsulated in words and flavors. I hope you enjoy cooking, and more importantly, eating this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups chaya leaves
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 serrano peppers, seeds removed and minced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup mango chunks
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Clean the shrimp and pat it dry. Chop the vegetables – chaya leaves, bell pepper, onion, and tomato. Mince the serrano peppers and garlic. For the fruits, cut the pineapple and mango into small chunks.
Step Two
Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and serrano peppers. Stir fry them until they become aromatic, around 1 minute.
Step Three
Next, add in the shrimp. Stir fry them until they turn pink – this should take roughly 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set it aside.
Step Four
In the still-hot pan, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir fry them until they become tender and slightly caramelized, which should take around 5 minutes.
Step Five
Add the chaya leaves to the pan. Stir fry until they wilt, which should roughly take a minute. Then, add the sliced tomatoes, pineapple and mango chunks. Stir fry everything together for another minute.
Step Six
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh lime juice, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step Seven
Serve the Spicy Chaya and Shrimp Stir Fry while hot. Enjoy it on its own, or serve it over a bed of warm, cooked rice for a more fulfilling meal. Enjoy!
