Tender Shrimp and Crisp Spinach Stir-fry: A Healthy & Delicious Side Dish
[Eco-Natural Cook] A Flavorful and Nutritious Shrimp and Spinach Stir-fry Recipe
This is a healthy and delicious side dish made by lightly seasoning and stir-frying shrimp and spinach. Let’s make a tasty and healthy side dish together! ^^ It’s packed with flavor and has a wonderful texture.
Ingredients- Fresh Spinach: 150g
- Shrimp: 4 pieces
- Purple Onion: 1/2 medium
- Minced Garlic: 1 Tbsp
- Olive Oil: A little
- Potato Starch: 1 Tbsp
- Water: 1/2 cup (paper cup measurement)
- Oyster Sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle
- Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the fresh spinach under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean, shake off excess water or let it drain in a colander. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent a watery stir-fry.
Step 2
Cut the drained spinach into bite-sized pieces. Instead of chopping it too finely, cutting the stems lengthwise into 2-3 pieces will help maintain a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Thaw the shrimp naturally or by rinsing them under cold running water. Peel and devein the shrimp, then rinse them clean. Cut the shrimp into manageable pieces. If your shrimp are large, cut them into 3 pieces; if they are smaller, cut them into 2 pieces. ^^
Step 4
Peel and wash the vibrant purple onion, then slice it thinly into strips. The onion will add a natural sweetness as it cooks.
Step 5
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Heat a wide pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. You can also use vegetable oil or canola oil.
Step 6
Once the pan is warm, add the minced garlic (1 Tbsp) and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; a gentle aroma is what we’re looking for.
Step 7
Add the sliced purple onion to the pan and stir-fry until it becomes translucent and slightly softened. This process releases the onion’s natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 8
While the onions are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp of soy sauce with 1 Tbsp of oyster sauce. The oyster sauce will add a rich umami flavor that elevates the dish.
Step 9
I personally love using an oyster sauce without additives because of its clean taste. Using a good quality oyster sauce will make your cooking even healthier and tastier. I highly recommend it! ^^
Step 10
Add the prepared shrimp to the pan and stir-fry until they turn pink and are fully cooked. As the shrimp cook, they will release their delicious juices into the pan.
Step 11
When the shrimp are almost cooked, make a slurry by mixing the potato starch (1 Tbsp) with water (1/2 cup). Gradually pour this slurry into the pan while stirring. The sauce will thicken, allowing it to coat the ingredients beautifully.
Step 12
Once the sauce starts to bubble and thicken, add the prepared spinach to the pan. Spread the spinach evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Step 13
Cover the pan with a lid and let it steam for about 1-2 minutes over low heat. This will gently wilt the spinach and allow the flavors to meld. Avoid overcooking, as the spinach can become mushy.
Step 14
Lift the lid to reveal the tender, wilted spinach. The ingredients should be nicely cooked and moist.
Step 15
Finally, pour the prepared sauce (1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce) into the pan. Stir-fry quickly just until the sauce coats the ingredients. The key is to not overcook the spinach, so it retains some of its crispness. Stir just enough for the flavors to meld.
Step 16
Transfer the finished shrimp and spinach stir-fry to a serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for a beautiful presentation. ^^ Enjoy your delicious and healthy shrimp and spinach stir-fry!
