Bell Pepper Shrimp

This is a Chinese-American classic. With its piquant sauce, this simple stir-fry makes a satisfying midweek meal, a quick weekend lunch, or a wonderful addition to an Asian buffet. Remember this trick for a perfect stir-fry: heat the pan before you add the oil. Serve this dish with generous bowls of white or brown rice. MAKES 4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons sherry 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1⁄4 cup canned or homemade chicken stock
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound small shrimp (more than 55 per pound), peeled and deveined, or precooked cocktail shrimp, thawed and peeled
2 teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
Toasted sesame oil to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. Combine the sherry, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, pepper, and chicken stock in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Place a large wok or skillet over high heat. When the pan is very hot, add the oil. Swirl to coat the pan, then quickly add the scallion, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10 seconds. Add the peppers and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.

3. Add the raw shrimp if using, and cook, stirring and tossing with two wooden spoons or long-han-dled heatproof spatulas, until the shrimp are firm and pink, about 3 minutes. If you’re using precooked cocktail shrimp, omit this step.

4. Add the sherry mixture to the wok. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring occasionally. If you’re using precooked shrimp, add them now and stir to heat.

5. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir constantly until the sauce is thickened, about 30 seconds. Take the pan off the heat at once, and serve immediately.

BELL PEPPER SHRIMP WITH ALMONDS Add 1⁄2 cup slivered almonds with the raw shrimp.

BELL PEPPER SHRIMP WITH BEAN THREAD NOODLES Soak two 2-ounce packages of bean thread noodles in boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly. Use them as a bed for the stir-fry, rather than rice.

BELL PEPPER SHRIMP WITH PEANUTS Add 1⁄2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts with the raw shrimp.

BELL PEPPER SHRIMP WITH SAUSAGE Add 1⁄2 pound sliced hot Italian sausage, cooked, with the raw shrimp.

CANTONESE BELL PEPPER SHRIMP Increase the garlic to 3 cloves and use 1⁄4 cup thinly sliced peeled ginger.

HOT PEPPER SHRIMP Replace 1 of the bell peppers with a sliced, seeded, and stemmed poblano chile.

RAINBOW BELL PEPPER SHRIMP Use any mixture of peppers: yellow, red, orange, and/or green.

SZECHWAN BELL PEPPER SHRIMP Add 1 to 2 teaspoons chili oil and 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar with the scallion. Add 1⁄2 pound ground pork with the peppers, and stir and toss for 2 minutes before adding the shrimp.