If you are on the lookout for something delightfully creamy, sweet, yet unmistakably savory, the Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish beautifully balances tender, juicy shrimp with luscious peach flavors and a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The harmony of peaches with the subtle hints of ginger and sesame creates a unique fusion that’s both comforting and exciting for your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe effortlessly elevates any meal into a memorable feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step towards bringing this recipe to life. Each element plays a vital role: from the succulent shrimp that provide the main protein, to the peaches delivering that natural sweetness, right down to the spices and sauces that create depth and creaminess.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, fresh or frozen shrimp add tender texture and rich flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Adds subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on shrimp, ensuring a perfect sear.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For frying the shrimp, providing a crisp exterior.
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in juice (drained and chopped): Brings natural sweetness and a fruity burst to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup peach juice (reserved from can): Intensifies the peach flavor in the cream sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its silky smooth texture and richness.
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens the dish while thickening the sauce slightly.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds an extra creamy element and slight tang.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness to brighten the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Gives that essential umami kick typical in Chinese cooking.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger: Brings a gentle zing and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without overwhelming.
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a crisp bite.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional): For extra crunch and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Shrimp
Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp in salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. This simple coating ensures that the shrimp develop a light, slightly crisp exterior when cooked while locking in moisture. It’s a small step with a big payoff.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated shrimp, cooking them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want that gorgeous pink color and firm texture without overcooking. Once perfectly cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside to rest for a moment.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Peach Sauce
Using the same pan, add the chopped peaches and reserved peach juice, allowing their natural sugars to gently warm. Now pour in the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and mayonnaise—these creamy components blend together to create the luscious sauce you’re dreaming of. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder, stirring frequently as the mixture simmers gently for 3 to 5 minutes. This process allows the sauce to thicken just enough while infusing all the flavors harmoniously.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss them thoroughly in the creamy peach sauce, coating every juicy bite. Let everything simmer together for one more minute to marry the flavors perfectly, then remove from heat.
How to Serve Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped scallions over the dish to introduce a bright, crisp contrast that cuts through the creamy sauce. For a delightful crunch, lightly toasted sesame seeds can be dotted on top, adding both texture and visual appeal that’ll make your plate truly pop.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with jasmine or steamed white rice, which soaks up the irresistible cream sauce like a dream. If you prefer something lighter, steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas complement the flavors wonderfully, adding fresh, vibrant greens to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the shrimp on a bed of fragrant coconut rice for an exotic twist, or plate the shrimp atop crispy wonton chips for an irresistible appetizer-style presentation. Even a simple drizzle of extra peach juice reduction can elevate the dish visually while intensifying the peach flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery and keeps the sauce fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the sauce. Freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating with freshly made sauce to preserve the creamy texture and fresh peach flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or peach juice if needed to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating which can toughen the shrimp and separate the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches are fantastic during their season and will impart an even brighter, more natural flavor. Just be sure to peel and chop them finely, and adjust sweetness as fresh peaches can vary in sugar content.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be made gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
While the original recipe features shrimp and dairy, you can try firm tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute and swap heavy cream with coconut milk and mayonnaise with vegan mayo for a plant-based twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mild, with just a hint of warmth from white pepper and ginger. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil if you want to kick up the heat.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Coconut milk is an excellent alternative that keeps the sauce creamy and adds a lovely subtle sweetness. For a lighter option, almond milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch can work as well, though the texture may be less rich.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is like inviting a little flair and comfort into your kitchen with every bite. It’s not only a feast for the senses but also a wonderful way to explore new flavors without complicated steps. I’m confident that once you try this dish, it will become one of your go-to favorites for a special weeknight dinner or when you want to wow your guests. So grab those peaches and shrimp and start cooking—you’re in for a treat that’s truly amazing!
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Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp is a delicious and creamy Chinese-American dish featuring large shrimp cooked to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy peach cream sauce. This recipe combines the freshness of peaches with a luscious blend of heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and savory seasonings for an unforgettable flavor. Ideal for a quick and impressive main course that pairs wonderfully with jasmine or steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in juice (drained and chopped)
- 1/4 cup peach juice (reserved from can)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, white pepper, and cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This helps the shrimp achieve a light crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the peach cream sauce: Using the same pan, add the chopped peaches, reserved peach juice, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them evenly with the peach cream sauce. Simmer for an additional minute to marry the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds over the dish for added freshness and texture. Serve immediately, ideally over jasmine or steamed white rice.
Notes
- This dish offers a creamy and sweet twist on traditional Chinese-style shrimp.
- Best served over jasmine rice or steamed white rice to complement the flavors.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Fresh peaches can be used instead of canned peaches when they are in season for a fresher taste.
- To make this gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce.
