Ingredients:
- Large shrimp: 20-30, peeled and deveined
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, ground ginger, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar)
- Ginger: 10g, minced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Thai sweet chili sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- White sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Oil: for frying
- Green onions: chopped, for garnish
- Lime or lemon: juiced, for serving
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, then open the back of the shrimp and remove the vein. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: Mix the tea rubs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Coat the shrimp with the tea rub mixture and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water. Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves, creating a sweet and sour glaze.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Stir-fry the marinated shrimp until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In the same pan, add the ginger, garlic, and chili segments. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add the Thai sweet chili sauce, the vinegar mixture, and a few tablespoons of water. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan, toss to coat with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more sugar or vinegar if needed.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp and drizzle with any remaining sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Serve with steamed rice or as a part of a larger meal.
Tips:
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough quickly. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the shrimp, enhancing the traditional sweet and sour profile.
- This Thai Sweet and Sour Shrimp with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic dish.