Easy Kung Pao Shrimp
Easy homemade Kung Pao Shrimp recipe with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and healthier modifications ready in 27 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into thick pieces
- 0.75 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- 4 dried red chilies, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or peanut oil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon rice wine or white wine
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, and sriracha in a small bowl, stirring until the cornstarch dissolves completely and set the sauce mixture aside.
- 2
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them brown better during cooking.
- 3
Heat avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Place the dried red chilies in the pan and toast them for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release their flavor without burning them.
- 6
Transfer the shrimp to the wok and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- 7
Push the cooked shrimp to the side of the wok, then add the red bell peppers and yellow onion pieces to the empty space, cooking over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- 8
Stir the reserved sauce mixture once more to ensure the cornstarch is well incorporated, then pour it into the wok over the shrimp and vegetables.
- 9
Toss everything together continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients with a glossy finish.
- 10
Add the roasted peanuts, green onion pieces, red pepper flakes, and rice wine to the wok, tossing gently to combine all components evenly.
- 11
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- 12
Transfer the Kung Pao Shrimp to a serving platter and serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or your preferred grain.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted unsalted peanuts | Raw almonds or cashews | Almonds provide similar crunch and protein while offering more fiber and better omega-3 fatty acids; cashews add richness with less saturated fat |
| Honey | Monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar | These alternatives provide sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels as dramatically, supporting stable energy throughout the meal |
| 2 tablespoons avocado oil | 1 tablespoon avocado oil plus 1 tablespoon chicken or vegetable broth | Reducing oil while adding broth maintains moisture and flavor while decreasing overall fat and calories |
| Red bell peppers | Broccoli florets and snap peas | These vegetables add more fiber and prebiotic compounds that support gut bacteria diversity and digestive health |
| 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce | 2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos | Tamari is gluten-free and often lower in sodium; coconut aminos is lower glycemic and easier to digest for some people |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 348 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 220mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 39g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
