Published 8/25/2022 • Updated 9/9/2022
Easy Homemade Kung Pao Shrimp
Kung Pao Shrimp is a favorite stir fry amongst Team Fit Foodie. It’s spicy and sweet all at the same time and packed with protein and veggies. I love this recipe because you can switch up the veggies and/or protein and have a different kung pao meal every time!
What is Kung Pao Shrimp made of?
Kung Pao Shrimp is a spicy Chinese dish that is traditionally made with hot chili peppers, soy sauce, other spices, and shrimp. Our kung pao shrimp recipe is non-traditional in the sense that we swapped sriracha and red chili paste for actual hot chili peppers. The flavors are there, but we made this recipe our own by using ingredients easily found in American grocery stores.
What kind of shrimp is best for kung pao shrimp?
You can really use any kind of raw shrimp for kung pao shrimp. We prefer a larger shrimp such as large, XL, or jumbo, but any kind works. We recommend buying raw shrimp over-cooked so that you don’t overcook your shrimp. For the easiest preparation, find a raw shrimp product that is peeled and deveined.
What is in Kung Pao Sauce?
As we mentioned above, traditional Chinese kung pao sauce is made of actual red chili peppers, but we made a few modifications. Check out an authentic kung pao sauce recipe HERE.
Soy sauceSrirachaChili pasteHoneyGingerCornstarch
How do you make kung pao shrimp less spicy?
Since kung pao sauce is traditionally very spicy, you can either use less chili pepper products or add more sweetness. In our case, we’re using honey, so you could add more of that or use an additional sugar product such as table sugar.
How to Thicken Kung Pao Sauce
The easiest way to thicken kung pao sauce (or any kind of stir fry sauce) is with cornstarch.
2 Ways to do it
Serving Suggestions/Swaps
The great thing about this dish is that you can really make it your own! Switch up the protein, use a different veggie, and pick your grain!
Swap the protein
Chicken breastFlank steakGarbanzo beans
Use different veggies
BroccoliWater chestnuts MushroomsOnion
Serve with your favorite grain
White sticky riceBrown riceQuinoaChicken fried rice
Storage
Store leftover kung pao shrimp stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Kung Pao Recipes
Kung Pao ChickenHealthy Kung Pao Chicken MeatballsKung Pao Quinoa BowlsBest Kung Pao Recipes
