1lblarge shrimp(peeled, leaving the tail segments intact, and de-veined)
1cuppeanut oil(for frying)
6shallots(thinly sliced)
1Tbspminced ginger
3large garlic cloves(minced)
1TbspShaoxing wine
For the shrimp coating:
1egg white(lightly beaten)
2Tbsppeanut oil
1Tbspmung bean starch
2TbspShaoxing wine
1tspsugar
1tspsea or kosher salt
A pinch of white pepper
For the sauce:
5Tbspketchup
1Tbspoyster sauce
2tspwhite rice vinegar
1tsphot pepper oil with pepper flakes(see my Szechuan Chicken recipe for details, for mild spiciness, plus more to taste)
2tsplight soy sauce
1tspsugar
1tspkosher salt(or sea salt)
Instructions
Begin by mixing all of the shrimp coating ingredients in a medium size bowl. Add the shrimp, toss or mix by hand to coat. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing all of the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
Method 1
Heat a cup of peanut oil in a wok over medium-high heat to about 300F. Add the shrimp, spreading them evenly across the bottom in one layer. Fry for 1 minute, until the shrimp starts to turn pink, flip the shrimp and continue cooking for another minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the wok and place on a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil. You may want to do this step in two batches as it will be much easier.
Pour off the oil form the wok, leaving 3 tablespoons behind.Turn the heat to high. Add the garlic, the ginger and stir briefly. Add the shallots, stir briefly and lower the heat to medium. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shallots are nicely caramelized and soft.
Return the heat back to high and add the shrimp. Drizzle the wine over the shrimp and mix well. Stir the sauce, pour it over the shrimp and mix well. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are well-coated and the sauce begins to bubble.
Method 2
This is not the traditional Hunan shrimp preparation method that I know of, but I really like the results. Instead of shallow frying the shrimp, we will stir-fry them with just a little bit of oil. In a wok, heat three tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Just as you see a whiff of smoke, add the garlic and the ginger and stir briefly. Add the shallots, stir briefly and lower the heat to medium. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shallots are nicely caramelized and soft.
Turn the heat back to high, add the shrimp, arranging them in a single layer. Cook for about 1 minute then flip and continue cooking for another minute or so, until the shrimp is pink on both sides.
Drizzle the wine over the shrimp and mix well. Stir in the sauce, pour it over the shrimp and mix well. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are well-coated and the sauce begins to bubble.
Final step for both methods
Remove the shrimp from heat, transfer to a heated dish, and serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.