Panda Inn's Sweet & Pungent Shrimp

3h
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
3h 15m
Ready In


"Called Chinese popcorn by LA Times."

Original is 4 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (224.7 g)
  • Calories 353.6
  • Total Fat - 7.5 g
  • Saturated Fat - 1 g
  • Cholesterol - 142.8 mg
  • Sodium - 1421.1 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 53.3 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 0.7 g
  • Sugars - 20.8 g
  • Protein - 16.2 g
  • Calcium - 75.2 mg
  • Iron - 0.7 mg
  • Vitamin C - 4 mg
  • Thiamin - 0 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Peel and devein shrimp. Slice in halve lengthwise. Rinse well pat dry.

Step 2

Add the egg white to shrimp mix well.

Step 3

Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add to the shrimp. Stir to coat well. Add 1 1/2 tablespoon oil and mix well again.

Step 4

Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Step 5

Remove the shrimp and dust with remaining cornstarch. Shrimp should be dry to the touch.

Step 6

Heat fryer to 350°F; shake off excess cornstarch and separate shrimp. Fry till golden brown.

Step 7

Combine the shrimp with the sauce and toss quickly to coat.

Step 8

To make the sauce: Combine the sugar, salt, vinegar and catsup; set aside.

Step 9

Mix the sherry and cornstarch; set aside.

Step 10

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in the wok.

Step 11

Add garlic, ginger, zests, green onion and red pepper. Cook 30 seconds; stir in catsup mix. Immediately add sherry mixture and cook till slightly thickened.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • Look for fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use freshly minced garlic, ginger, and green onion for the most flavor.

  • Substituting honey for the granulated sugar: Honey has a sweeter flavor than sugar, so it will result in a sweeter sauce. Additionally, honey is a natural sweetener, so it is a healthier option than granulated sugar.
  • Substituting olive oil for the vegetable oil: Olive oil is a healthier option than vegetable oil as it is full of healthy fats and antioxidants. Additionally, olive oil has a more robust flavor than vegetable oil, so it will add more flavor to the dish.

Teriyaki Shrimp Replace the catsup, vinegar, sherry wine, and red pepper flakes with 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce. Omit the sugar, ginger, lemon zest, and orange zest. Reduce the salt to 1/4 teaspoon. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the wok before adding the garlic and green onions.



Vegetable Fried Rice - This classic Chinese dish is a great accompaniment to the Panda Inn's Sweet & Pungent Shrimp. The savory flavor of the fried rice complements the sweetness of the shrimp, and the crunchy vegetables add a nice texture contrast.


Mongolian Beef: This spicy and savory dish is a great accompaniment to the Vegetable Fried Rice and Sweet & Pungent Shrimp. The beef adds a hearty flavor to the meal, and the spicy kick helps to balance out the sweetness of the shrimp. The crunchy vegetables in the fried rice add a nice texture contrast to the tender beef.




FAQ

Q: How do I prepare the shrimp?

A: Peel and devein the shrimp, slice in half lengthwise, rinse and pat dry. Then mix the shrimp with egg white, cornstarch and salt, and marinate for at least 2 hours. Finally, dust with more cornstarch and fry in hot oil until golden brown.



Q: What is the best way to store cooked shrimp?

A: Cooked shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to three months. When storing cooked shrimp, make sure to keep it away from raw shrimp or other raw foods.

3 Reviews

ForeverMama

There is soo much flavor going on in this dish. You can't just eat a few, I found myself revisiting the platter of shrimp again and again. Ah, what the heck, I'll start the New Year with a diet. Great dish Dienia! Thanks for sharing! Made it for Billboard Tag.

5.0

review by:
(30 Dec 2019)

pelysma

While one of us found the shrimp just on the edge of too salty, we otherwise raved about it. Not your everyday sweet and sour, but a potent, shiny sauce that explodes with flavor. There was a pleasant hint of tender crunchiness that survived in the sauce, adding to the experience. Could become addictive.

5.0

review by:
(24 Sep 2014)

Marramamba

A delicious and unusual dish it was loved by everyone, the deep frying made it much faster to cook than traditional wok fry

5.0

review by:
(10 Sep 2014)

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Fun facts:

The recipe for Panda Inn's Sweet & Pungent Shrimp has been featured in the LA Times, making it a popular dish in Los Angeles.

This recipe is similar to the iconic General Tso's Chicken, which is believed to have been created by a Hunanese chef named Peng Chang-kuei in the 1950s.