I know what you’re thinking – “Shrimp? So much for Amy’s new budget.” (Or maybe the title and image conjured up thoughts of the beach and luaus, and you could care less about my budget or the recipe now.) So let me reel you back in.
As several readers suggested, I’m actually in the process of going through my freezer and pantry; trying to utilize everything I already have before I spend money on anything new. See, I already had the shrimp! I also had canned pineapple. To me, the obvious choice was to buy some bell pepper and make kabobs on the grill. The grill, however, desperately needed to be cleaned…and I did not want to clean it. Stir-fry anyone?
It’s a basic, fast, and good creation a la Amy. Really good, actually. So good that I was bummed (more like perturbed) when I reached for the one left-over container the next day, only to find it was gone. And since I don’t know when we’ll be having shrimp again, it could be grounds for divorce.
Hawaiian Shrimp Stir Fry
Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2 inch piece
• 1 medium bell pepper (orange or red), cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 pound uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks or 1 can (20 ounce) pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup best quality bottled Hawaiian or Sweet & Sour Sauce*
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 2 cups white rice
Directions
Prepare rice according to package directions.
In a large nonstick pan, heat oil over high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the shrimp and pineapple. Cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and stir in the sauce and scallions. Cook 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are no longer pink and the sauce is heated through.
Serve over white rice.
*The spiciness or sweetness of this dish depends on the brand of sauce you choose.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I finally made this tonight – yum. Yum. Yum. Because I did not even have time to make the rice, I used a box of Marrakesh couscous–mango salsa flavor. Gave everything a little kick and was fun to eat. Thank you, Amy!
ok, so after doing a little web research I decided on Emeril’s recipe for a make-your-own sauce (I did not have any sauce in the pantry and I was determined not to go to the store on this one):
1/4 c. chicken broth
3 T. ketchup
2 T. vineger (I used rice)
3 T. sugar
3 T. pineapple juice
2 t. soy
3/4 t. red pepper flakes
2 T chicken broth made into a slurry with 2 t. cornstarch
I followed the rest of your recipe and just added this at the end. Next time I would reduce the sugar, but otherwise it was pretty good. In the end I am not sure that this was any better than a bottle, but if you don’t have a bottle of sauce this was a fine substitute and really easy to make. There is the additional advantage of being able to take some of the sauce out before you add the pepper flakes if you have someone in your house who does not like “spicy things” (ugh, 7 year olds can be sooooo picky!)
Thanks, Amy!
Going to make this tonight (with shrimp from the freezer…gotta love Market Day!), but I am going to try to attempt my own sweet and sour sauce with pantry ingredients and the juice from the can of pineapple). I will let you know how it works!
Just tuning in here… yes, this would have hit the spot for lunch (or what Jude had.) But I have another shot at dinner. Shrimp lovers unite!
Amy – Yes, doggy bag! But if they made it to your fridge, would YOU get to it before hubby?
Terry – me too!! How completely strange…I’ve never heard anyone else say that. It’s obviously an allergic reaction. Although odd, since I have no problem eating the shrimp.
Jude – any left? Can you drive some over? You’re killing me.
update – Was craving shrimp so much I hightailed it to Than Do for lunch today (in St Louis Park – a ‘burb of Minneapolis). Their carmelized coconut shrimp covered in almonds hit the spot.
Shrimp are awesome. Here’s a weird thing though – when I peel raw ones, my hands turn red, swell, and itch. So I buy the frozen cooked version. Taste just as good, just don’t over cook them.
Shelley – not everything I found was worth using!
Paul – that’s it, Babe…blame it on your 3 year old. Nice.
Nancy – my pantry has those items, too. Rest assured.
Helen – you give me hope.
Jennifer/Mike/Jude – those props come from my sushi accessory stash, longtime ignored. And the outdoor lighting is a gift.
Me too, I love the shrimps – esp when covered in a savory sauce! This dish looks yummy. And light. I want to know who’s prop shopping for your photo shoots, Ms. A.
My family loves shrimp too. Don’t be too discouraged about the price – shop your local markets and watch for sales. I actually find that shrimp is almost always on sale and you can get a one pound frozen bag for $6 or less sometimes. It’s the other shellfish like scallops and crab that seems really expensive.
I’m sure the shrimp is great, but more importantly, as Jennifer pointed out, the photo is fabulous. The rice seems to actually glow! Nice!
Your refrigerator/freezer/pantry is probably loaded with goodies. All you would find in mine is old condiments and sliced olives. I think I like your new budget creativity!
WAIT! How come everyone is blaming me? First, Haley likes shrimp. Second, she has mastered the art of moving a chair. Third, she has mastered the art of opening the refrigerator. Fourth, she has not mastered the art of moving the chair back; she leaves evidence of the crime.
It was me. That was a great dish.
Oh yes, shrimp. Love love love shrimp. Sweet/Sour shrimp is one of my standards when we get Chinese. I also could eat shrimp cocktail until I’m sick. Will be making this.
Gawd this looks Yummy! I can’t wait to make it! Another FABULOUS photo Ame!
This does look good – I would use a spicy sauce and kick it up a little.
Maybe the dog did it? Nah…it was Paul. Can you blame him? I say you show a little mercy to the dude that’s out of work.
I love the crustaceans – shrimp is a favorite. Poor Paul… I can feel your glare the next day. At least you know he really liked it!
I love shrimp too, Amy. I say kick him to the curb! Good for you for being creative. Amazing what we can find in our own refrigerators. This sounds yummy.
He took the last shrimp? You could take it as a compliment to your wonderful cooking…or the other thing. GFD. Do I dare make it and tempt fate likewise? Or just eat everything and leave no leftovers over which to squabble? That sounds like the smarter idea. Looks delicious!
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