Stir-Fried Shrimp With Xo Sauce

English_Rose's Note:

A homemade seafood sauce gives a perky kick to this shrimp and vegetable stir-fry.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

For the XO sauce

• 8 tablespoons peanut oil , plus 1 tbsp
• 3 garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 1 shallot , finely chopped
• 1 stick lemongrass , finely chopped
• 1 ounce dried shrimp , chopped
• 1 ounce prosciutto , finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili pepper flakes

For the stir-fry

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional)
• 5 ounces snow peas , sliced
• 1 red pepper , sliced
• 1 green pepper , sliced
• 1 yellow pepper , sliced
• 1 lb shrimp , shelled
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 pinch white pepper

Directions:

1. For the XO sauce: heat half of the oil in a wok or saucepan set over a very low heat. Add the chopped garlic, followed by the shallot and lemon grass. Poach everything in the oil for 5-10 minutes stirring often.
2. Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir in the dried shrimps, ham, and chili flakes.
3. Continue frying over a low heat until the seafood takes on a golden hue and the ham becomes crisp.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool. Transfer everything to a large glass jar secured with a lid. Leave everything to steep for a minimum of 2-3 hours.
5. This sauce improves with age and is best left to steep for a couple of weeks in the fridge or a cool place. A little goes a long way - use this sauce as a perky seasoning for stir-fries, noodles and rice dishes.
6. For the stir-fry: heat the rinsed wok over a high heat and add the sesame oil.
7. Tip in the snow peas and peppers and stir-fry for a minute before removing from the pan.
8. Add the shrimp, sugar and white pepper and continue frying for 2-3 minutes.
9. Return the peppers and sugar snaps to the pan and stir in enough XO sauce to give a spicy kick - you'll probably only need a tablespoon or so. The rest of the sauce can be used for other South East Asian dishes.
10. Combine the cornstarch with 2 tbs water and add to the pan, stirring all the time. This will bring all the juices together. Serve straight away with rice or noodles.