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Sweet and Sour Shrimps: A Filipino Seafood Delight

sweet and sour shrimps Filipino recipe

Filipino Recipe Sweet and Sour Shrimps

A Vibrant Fusion of Flavors
Sweet and sour shrimps represent one of the most beloved Chinese-influenced dishes in Filipino cuisine, showcasing the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that Filipinos adore. This dish exemplifies how Philippine cooking adapts foreign influences into something uniquely its own, transforming simple shrimp into a colorful, flavorful masterpiece that's both approachable and impressive.

The Science of Flavor Pairing
The magic of this dish lies in its:

  • Perfect umami-sour-sweet balance achieved through careful ingredient ratios
  • Textural contrast between crispy shrimp and velvety sauce
  • Visual appeal from vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks
  • Aromatic complexity from garlic, ginger, and onions

Cultural Significance in Philippine Dining
Sweet and sour dishes hold special importance as:

  1. A staple of Filipino-Chinese cuisine (Pancit Canton-Lumpia combo)
  2. A festive dish often served during celebrations
  3. A representation of Philippine-Chinese cultural fusion
  4. A popular baon (packed lunch) option
  5. A gateway dish for introducing seafood to children

Nutritional Advantages Over Meat Versions
This shrimp version offers:

  • Higher quality protein with less saturated fat
  • Beneficial omega-3 fatty acids
  • Lower calorie count than pork or chicken versions
  • Rich selenium and iodine content
  • Quicker cooking time preserving nutrients

The Filipino Touch
What makes the Filipino version distinct:

  • Use of banana ketchup or local vinegars
  • Incorporation of native pineapple varieties
  • Adjustment to local taste preferences (sweeter profile)
  • Common addition of local vegetables like sayote
  • Frequent pairing with Filipino staple rice

Cooking Techniques That Matter
Key preparation tips include:

  • Proper deveining for optimal presentation
  • Controlled frying for perfect shrimp texture
  • Sauce thickening to ideal viscosity
  • Vegetable cooking to crisp-tender stage
  • Last-minute combining to maintain textures

Why This Dish Endures
Sweet and sour shrimps remain popular because:

  • It's adaptable to various skill levels
  • Ingredients are readily available year-round
  • Appeals to both kids and adults
  • Leftovers reheat well
  • Visually impressive for minimal effort

Modern Interpretations
Contemporary twists include:

  • Spicy versions with siling labuyo
  • Baked alternatives for healthier prep
  • Fusion versions with mango instead of pineapple
  • Gluten-free adaptations using cornstarch
  • Premium versions using tiger prawns

This dish perfectly encapsulates the Filipino talent for creating vibrant, flavorful food that brings people together. Its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to satisfy both traditional tastes and modern preferences while offering a healthier alternative to meat-based mains. The sweet and sour shrimp recipe stands as a testament to Filipino culinary creativity and our love for bold, contrasting flavors.

sweet and sour shrimps dish Filipino recipe


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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 259
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

You can make your lunch a special treat with this sweet and sour shrimps Filipino recipe. This recipe is a good alternative for poultry and red meat. It's a delicious shrimp dish for the whole family.

Ingredients
  • 1 kg Shrimps (cleaned)
  • 2 ripe Tomatoes (minced)
  • 5 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1 thumb-sized Ginger (minced)
  • 1 white Onion (minced)
  • 1/4 cup Banana ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp Fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar (add more if desired)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (slurry)
  • Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 3 tbsp Cooking oil
  • 2 tbsp Green onions (chopped, optional)
  • 1/4 cup Water
Instructions
    Preparation:
  1. 1

    Remove the shrimp's antennae, devein them, then wash and drain. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Peel and mince the spices needed in the recipe.

    3. Cooking:
  3. 3

    Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok and saute the ginger. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Then add the onions and continue to saute until soft and translucent.

  4. 4

    Add the tomatoes and keep sauteing until they are soft and mushy.

  5. 5

    Add in the tomato sauce, banana ketchup, patis, vinegar, and sugar. Stir.

  6. 6

    Add 1/4 cup of water and bring to gentle boil. Then add the slurry mixture and stir.

  7. 7

    Add in the shrimp. Stir until the shrimp are covered with the sauce.

  8. 8

    Cover and simmer for 3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust accordingly.

  9. 9

    Keep cooking for another few minutes until the seasoning is absorbed. Allow the liquid to reduce until it reaches the desired consistency.

  10. 10

    Remove from the heat and place in a serving dish.

  11. 11

    Serve hot; garnish with chopped green onions and chopped red chilies (optional).

  12. 12

    Happy cooking! Share and enjoy the food.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 259kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.2g12%
Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
Cholesterol 238mg80%
Sodium 850mg36%
Potassium 257mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 17.6g6%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
Sugars 7g
Protein 32.9g66%
Calcium 2 mg
Iron 5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: shrimp recipe, sweet and sour shrimps, prawn recipe, seafood recipe,
Read it online: https://yummyfood.ph/recipe/sweet-and-sour-shrimps-filipino-recipe/