“`html
If you are craving a dish that’s both comforting and exotic, creamy and fruity yet perfectly balanced, look no further than this Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe. It’s a little treasure that elevates humble shrimp with luscious ripe peaches and a velvety cream sauce, infused with just the right hint of ginger and garlic. Every bite carries a delightful blend of textures and flavors that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to create at home. This recipe is one of those kitchen wins that you’ll want to share with friends and make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that each play a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From juicy peaches bringing a natural sweetness to the tender shrimp carrying all the savory goodness, every component is thoughtfully selected.
- Raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick, tender cooking and a protein-packed base.
- Ripe peaches: Sliced to add juicy sweetness and a subtle fruity aroma that brightens the dish.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for sautéing shrimp and garlic without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic: Minced, it injects a warm, fragrant punch that complements the cream sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, rich sauce that ties all the ingredients together smoothly.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a gentle saltiness to balance the sweetness of peaches and honey.
- Honey: Enhances the natural peach flavor with a mellow, floral sweetness.
- Ginger: Freshly grated for a subtle zesty heat that livens up the cream.
- Cornstarch slurry: Mixed for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Salt and pepper: To season and bring out the full flavor potential of the dish.
- Chopped green onions: For a fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly. Lightly season them with salt and pepper, which will help bring out their natural sweetness once sautéed.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Sauté Garlic
Warm your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. This quick sauté unlocks the garlic’s aromatic oils, making the base of your sauce incredibly fragrant without burning it.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the prepared shrimp to the pan and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a vibrant pink and curl slightly. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside—you’ll add them back in later.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, pour in the heavy cream along with soy sauce, honey, and freshly grated ginger. Stir everything together carefully and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to develop a wonderful aroma.
Step 5: Add Peaches and Thicken the Sauce
Gently fold in the sliced peaches, cooking them just until tender, around 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Give it about a minute, stirring frequently, until the sauce reaches a silky, luscious consistency that perfectly coats the peaches.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp back to the pan and carefully toss them in the creamy peach sauce. This step ensures that each shrimp is beautifully glazed with the luscious sauce, marrying all the flavors together in one delightful bite.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste your creation and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper if desired. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions to add a fresh, vibrant crunch and color contrast right before serving.
How to Serve Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the chopped green onions, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh cilantro leaves for an herbal brightness that complements the rich creaminess. These toppings add textural contrast and a burst of fresh aroma that enhances the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This shrimp dish shines when paired with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soaks up the luscious cream sauce perfectly. Alternatively, a light vegetable stir-fry or simple sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas provide a fresh, crunchy balance to the creamy shrimp and peach combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner presentation, try serving the shrimp over a bed of lightly dressed baby spinach or mixed greens. You can also spoon the creamy shrimp and peaches into delicate lettuce cups for a bite-sized appetizer that’s visually stunning and delicious. Another festive idea is plating it alongside thin crispy wonton chips for dipping into the rich peach cream sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the shrimp and sauce together to maintain the integrity of the flavors, but be mindful the peaches may soften further in storage.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not recommended due to the cream and peaches, which tend to separate or become mushy upon thawing. For the best taste and texture, enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm them gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Stir frequently and add a splash of cream or water if the sauce becomes too thick, ensuring a silky texture that’s close to freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sauté nicely and don’t release excess water.
What if I don’t have fresh peaches? Can I use canned?
Fresh peaches are best for their natural sweetness and texture, but if you only have canned, drain them well and use ripe canned peaches without heavy syrup for a closer flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free variation, though it will add a slightly different flavor profile. Otherwise, half-and-half can work but the sauce will be less rich.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Of course! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or a dash of chili oil at the end can give this creamy dish a delightful kick without overpowering the peaches’ sweetness.
How do I make the sauce thicker if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can slowly simmer the sauce longer to reduce and thicken it, or use a flour slurry as a substitute, though cornstarch gives the silkiest finish.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe is a beautiful reminder that simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, create a dish that feels special and indulgent without fuss. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner to impress yourself and your loved ones. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite that brightens your dinner table with its creamy, fruity charm.
“`
Print
Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese Fusion
Description
Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp is a delightful fusion dish combining tender shrimp with sweet, ripe peaches in a rich, creamy sauce. This unique recipe offers a balance of savory and sweet flavors, enhanced by garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Produce
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, then season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the aroma to infuse the oil.
- Sauté Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Make Sauce: In the same pan, pour in the heavy cream, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the sauce.
- Add Peaches: Gently fold in the sliced peaches and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they become tender but still hold their shape.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional minute until the sauce achieves a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and mix well to coat them evenly in the creamy peach sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and garnish the dish with chopped green onions for freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe peaches as they provide natural sweetness and texture.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- The cornstarch slurry helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency without clumps.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to taste.
