What is Princess Shrimp Chinese Food?

Princess shrimp is a popular Chinese seafood dish featuring large head-on shrimp sautéed in a sweet and spicy sauce. With its royal name and impressive presentation, it has become a beloved menu item at Chinese restaurants around the world.

Origins of Princess Shrimp

While the exact origins of princess shrimp are unclear it likely emerged in the 20th century from Cantonese cuisine. The use of large shrimp and the sweet sauce reflects Cantonese culinary traditions.

The name “princess shrimp” evokes luxury, elegance and prestige. It differentiates this dish from other shrimp preparations through its regal connotations. The princess shrimp moniker is meant to highlight the beautiful, jumbo shrimp as the star ingredient.

Defining Features of Princess Shrimp

Here are some key features that distinguish princess shrimp in Chinese cooking

• Large Shrimp – Whole, extra-large shrimp are used, often 16/20 or 21/25 count. The heads are left on for dramatic effect.

• Sweet and Spicy Sauce – A sauce flavored with sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce and chili sauce coats the shrimp. It has a balanced sweet, sour and spicy taste.

• Aromatics – Onions, ginger, garlic and green onions are sautéed to flavor the sauce.

• Vegetables – Sliced mushrooms, carrots, snow peas or bell peppers add color and crunch

• Thickening – Cornstarch is used to give the sauce a rich, glossy consistency.

• Garnish – Toasted sesame seeds and scallions are common garnishes. Fried wonton strips can also embellish the dish.

Preparing Princess Shrimp

Here is a summary of how to make princess shrimp at home:

• Marinate raw, shell-on shrimp in egg white, cornstarch and seasoning.

• Lightly coat a wok with oil and sauté aromatics like ginger, garlic and onions.

• Add mushrooms, carrots and other vegetables. Stir-fry briefly.

• Mix the sauce ingredients of chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and stock.

• Add the sauce mixture to the wok and bring to a boil.

• Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.

• Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry and toss to coat shrimp.

• Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately.

Princess Shrimp Sauces

The sauce is what gives princess shrimp its characteristic sweet, salty and spicy flavor. Here are some common sauce recipes:

Spicy Sweet Sauce: chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, chicken stock

Orange Sauce: orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, brown sugar

Honey Sauce: honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic

Curry Sauce: curry powder, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chicken stock

Black Bean Sauce: fermented black beans, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar

Tips for Making Princess Shrimp

Follow these tips for the best homemade princess shrimp:

• Use fresh, raw jumbo shrimp and peel them, leaving tails on.

• Marinate shrimp briefly in egg white, cornstarch and salt.

• Make sure wok is very hot when searing aromatics for maximum flavor.

• Add vegetables before sauce to cook briefly and retain crispness.

• Stir sauce well before adding to prevent cornstarch clumping.

• Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.

• Use authentic Chinese chili sauce and rice vinegar for right flavor profile.

Popular Ways to Enjoy Princess Shrimp

Princess shrimp is served around the world in several tasty ways:

• On a bed of crispy fried rice noodles
• Nestled on top of chow mein noodles
• Accompanying steamed rice or fried rice
• Topping a green salad or Asian slaw
• Tossed with fresh Chinese egg noodles
• Served as an appetizer on toothpicks or spoons
• Added to a stir fry with mixed vegetables
• Baked inside of wontons or egg rolls
• Presented whole as a dramatic dish

Nutrition Facts

Princess shrimp is a lean, protein-packed seafood choice. A 3 oz serving provides:

• 120 calories
• 18g protein
• 80mg sodium
• 1g sat fat
• 142mg omega-3s

Shrimp offer vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, copper and iodine. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins and minerals. Sauce portions should be moderate to limit added sugar and sodium.

Variations Around the World

Princess shrimp has been adapted globally, including:

Mexico – Tacos or tostadas with shrimp, avocado, onions, cilantro

Japan – Creamy shrimp and veggie tempura with sweet chili dipping sauce

Thailand – Coconut curry shrimp with bamboo shoots and basil

Vietnam – Lemongrass shrimp with rice noodles and nuoc cham

India – Shrimp tikka masala with yogurt, tomatoes and spices

Princess Shrimp vs. Kung Pao Shrimp

Princess shrimp and kung pao shrimp are two popular Chinese shrimp dishes. Here’s how they differ:

• Princess shrimp features a sweet, thick sauce while kung pao sauce is more savory and spicy.

• Princess shrimp uses larger, whole shrimp. Kung pao often uses smaller or chopped shrimp.

• Princess shrimp includes more vegetables like mushrooms and carrots. Kung pao shrimp centers on the shrimp with minimal veggies.

• Princess shrimp sauce has rice vinegar, chili sauce and cornstarch. Kung pao sauce has soy sauce, rice wine, and Szechuan peppercorns.

• Princess shrimp is garnished with sesame seeds, kung pao with peanuts or cashews.

Both dishes make stellar main courses that highlight shrimp in flavorful Chinese sauces. Princess shrimp leans sweeter, kung pao spicier. Try them both!

Delicious Princess Shrimp Recipes

Here are some tasty princess shrimp recipe ideas:

• Mango Princess Shrimp – with mango salsa and coconut rice

• Princess Shrimp Lettuce Wraps – with water chestnuts and hoisin sauce

• Curried Princess Shrimp – in a creamy curry coconut sauce

• Princess Shrimp Fried Rice – kid-friendly version with egg and peas

• Princess Shrimp and Snow Peas – easy light version

• Princess Shrimp Tacos – with cabbage, avocado and spicy mayo

Take your shrimp experience up a notch by crowning these regal seafood dishes as part of your Chinese cuisine repertoire. Princess shrimp makes Chinese takeout seem fit for royalty!