Garlic Shrimp Takeout at Home: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Craving that classic Chinese takeout garlic shrimp but want to skip the delivery fees and mystery ingredients? You’re in luck! This recipe brings the authentic flavors of your favorite restaurant dish right to your kitchen, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. We’ll walk you through each step, from prepping the shrimp to creating that luscious garlic sauce, ensuring a perfect garlic shrimp experience every time.

## Why Make Garlic Shrimp at Home?

While ordering takeout is convenient, making garlic shrimp at home offers several advantages:

* **Control over Ingredients:** You know exactly what’s going into your dish, allowing you to choose high-quality shrimp, fresh garlic, and adjust the spice level to your liking. This is especially important for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
* **Healthier Option:** Restaurant versions often contain excessive oil, sodium, and added sugars. By making it yourself, you can significantly reduce these unhealthy components.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making garlic shrimp at home is significantly cheaper than ordering takeout, especially if you’re feeding a family.
* **Customizable:** Want it spicier? More garlic? Less sauce? You’re the chef! Tailor the recipe to your specific preferences.
* **It’s Fun!:** Cooking can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients. This recipe serves approximately 2-3 people.

### For the Shrimp:

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
* 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

### For the Garlic Sauce:

* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier!)
* 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
* 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

## Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment:

* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Wok or large skillet
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking!

### 1. Prepare the Shrimp

This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, slightly crispy texture.

1. **Rinse the Shrimp:** Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes any lingering fishy smell and helps the coating adhere better.
2. **Marinate the Shrimp:** In the large bowl, combine the shrimp, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until the shrimp are evenly coated. The cornstarch will create a light, crispy coating when cooked.

### 2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce

This is where the magic happens! The sauce is what gives the garlic shrimp its signature flavor.

1. **Combine Sauce Ingredients:** In the small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice wine vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
2. **Prepare Cornstarch Slurry:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This slurry will thicken the sauce later.

### 3. Cook the Shrimp

Cooking the shrimp quickly over high heat ensures they stay tender and don’t become rubbery.

1. **Heat the Oil:** Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in the wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough to quickly sear the shrimp.
2. **Cook the Shrimp:** Add the marinated shrimp to the hot wok or skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.
3. **Remove the Shrimp:** Remove the cooked shrimp from the wok or skillet and set aside.

### 4. Make the Garlic Sauce

Now, let’s create that irresistible garlic sauce!

1. **Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:** Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the wok or skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. **Add the Sauce Mixture:** Pour the soy sauce mixture into the wok or skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
3. **Thicken the Sauce:** Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use less cornstarch slurry. If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more slurry.
4. **Add Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

### 5. Combine and Serve

Time to bring it all together!

1. **Add Shrimp to Sauce:** Add the cooked shrimp back to the wok or skillet and toss to coat evenly with the garlic sauce.
2. **Heat Through:** Cook for another minute or two, until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is clinging to them.
3. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with chopped green onions (if using) and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

## Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp

* **Use Fresh Shrimp:** Fresh shrimp will always taste better than frozen. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Mince the Garlic Finely:** Finely minced garlic will release its flavor more effectively.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more sugar for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or more red pepper flakes for heat.
* **Serve Immediately:** Garlic shrimp is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is glossy.
* **Use a Wok:** A wok is ideal for this recipe because its sloped sides allow for even cooking and quick stirring. However, a large skillet will also work.
* **High Heat is Key:** Cooking the shrimp and sauce over high heat helps to create that authentic takeout flavor.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the garlic shrimp, such as broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. Stir-fry the vegetables before adding the shrimp and sauce.
* **Protein:** Substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu.
* **Sauce:** Experiment with different sauces, such as black bean sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level. You can also add a dash of chili oil for extra flavor and spice.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of oyster sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **No Oyster Sauce:** If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic shrimp is delicious served over:

* **White Rice:** A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
* **Brown Rice:** A healthier option with a nutty flavor.
* **Noodles:** Lo mein, chow mein, or even spaghetti noodles work well.
* **Quinoa:** A protein-packed and gluten-free option.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** A light and healthy side dish.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the garlic shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they may become tough.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This homemade garlic shrimp recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your Chinese takeout cravings. By using fresh ingredients and controlling the cooking process, you can create a healthier and more flavorful version of this classic dish. So, skip the delivery fees and get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create restaurant-quality garlic shrimp in your own kitchen.

Enjoy!