There is something truly delightful about the Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in my kitchen. This dish brings together succulent shrimp enveloped in a luscious cream sauce infused with the subtle sweetness of peaches and a gentle kick of chili, creating a harmonious balance that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures, where tender, juicy shrimp meet the softness of peaches and the rich, velvety creaminess of the sauce. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing an essential layer to the final dish. From the plump shrimp to the sweet peaches and creamy elements, every component plays a starring role in crafting a plate that is bursting with flavor and tempting color.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined, these provide the tender, protein-packed base for the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps create a light coating on the shrimp for a nice texture after cooking.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for searing the shrimp to a beautiful pink and slightly crisp exterior.
- Canned peach slices (1/2 cup, drained and diced): Bringing mild sweetness and a fruity twist to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Offers richness and a luxuriously smooth texture to the sauce.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and slight tang, making the sauce silky and flavorful.
- Sweet chili sauce (1 tablespoon): Balances sweetness with a hint of heat, elevating the sauce complexity.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Introduces brightness and fresh acidity that brightens the dish.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adjusts the sweetness to harmonize the peaches and chili sauce perfectly.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Provides umami depth and helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Minced garlic (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a lovely aromatic base that complements shrimp beautifully.
- Chopped green onions (1 tablespoon): For garnish, adding fresh flavor and a pop of vibrant color.
How to Make Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry to ensure they sear rather than steam. Season them with salt and white pepper diligently, giving every piece a light but even coating. This step sets a flavorful foundation that will shine through even after the addition of the creamy, fruity sauce.
Step 2: Lightly Coat with Cornstarch and Cook
Toss the seasoned shrimp with cornstarch, just enough to give a gentle outer layer that will crisp up slightly during cooking. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add shrimp in one layer. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through—be careful not to overcook to keep their texture tender and juicy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
With the shrimp out of the pan, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Stir quickly for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this loosens the delicious browned bits from the pan, deepening flavor. Next, stir in heavy cream, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lemon juice, and sugar, whisking until you have a smooth, luscious sauce ready to embrace the shrimp.
Step 4: Add Peaches and Combine
Introduce the diced peaches into the sauce and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens. This step lets the peaches soften just enough to meld with the creamy, spicy sauce while maintaining their sweet burst. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss to coat every piece in this beautiful, sticky glaze. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through perfectly.
How to Serve Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish. Their fresh, mild bite balances the rich creaminess and adds an irresistible pop of color, making your plate look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
The creamy nature of the Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. For some added texture and nutrients, steamed broccoli or snap peas provide a crisp contrast and fresh green notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the shrimp atop a bed of lightly buttered noodles or fluffy quinoa. Alternatively, spoon the shrimp and sauce into individual lettuce cups for a fun, slightly crunchy handheld bite, turning a classic recipe into an elegant appetizer or finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp may absorb some sauce flavor over time, intensifying the taste but maintaining its deliciousness.
Freezing
Shrimp in cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed, so freezing is not ideal for this recipe. To keep the best quality and texture, it’s better to prepare and enjoy it fresh or refrigerate as noted.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling and the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick, stirring until everything is warmed through and silky again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh peaches are wonderful in this recipe, especially in season. Just dice them and add them at the same stage as canned peaches. They bring a brighter, fresher sweetness that’s delightful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and chili sauce do not contain gluten. Always check labels to be sure.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slightly tangier version, but the texture and richness may vary a bit from the classic creamy finish.
How spicy is the dish?
The sweet chili sauce adds a gentle heat, but it is generally mild. You can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder or hotter chili sauce or by adding more lemon juice and sugar to balance.
What is the best way to ensure shrimp stay tender?
Don’t overcook the shrimp! Once they turn pink and firm up just slightly, remove them from heat quickly. Overcooking leads to rubbery, tough shrimp that disappoint in texture.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe is like handing you a little piece of my kitchen joy. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together effortlessly, with familiar ingredients delivering extraordinary taste. I hope you try making it soon—it will undoubtedly become one of your favorite go-to meals when you crave something creamy, sweet, and full of personality.
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Chinese Peaches and Cream Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 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 delightful seafood dish combining tender shrimp with a creamy, sweet, and tangy peach sauce. This easy-to-make recipe balances savory shrimp with the subtle sweetness of peaches and a smooth, flavorful cream sauce, making it perfect for an impressive yet quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup canned peach slices drained and diced
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and white pepper. Toss the shrimp with cornstarch until they are lightly coated on all sides to help achieve a slight crust when cooked.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Stir quickly for about 20 seconds until it becomes fragrant but does not brown.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lemon juice, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add peaches and thicken: Incorporate the diced peaches into the sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Combine shrimp with sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss them in the creamy peach sauce. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more just to heat the shrimp through and blend the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish, and serve the dish immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe peaches when in season for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount according to your taste preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
