Saturday, May 17, 2008

Shrimp Chop Suey



6 - 8 servings

Ingredients:
3/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup cornstarch
6 tablespoons corn or peanut oil
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 pounds uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined
8 cups white fresh cabbage
3 ribs celery hearts, diced
1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
1/2 cup bamboo shoots
6 cups chicken broth (divided)
4 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons sesame oil
1 medium green bell pepper, cored, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 to 3/4 pound sliced roasted almonds (optional)

Preparation:
Preheat wok over high heat. Wok is ready when drop of oil sizzles in the pan. Put corn oil in wok.
Immediately add salt, then shrimp and stir-fry 30 seconds.

Add all vegetables, stirring constantly 30 seconds. Add 5 1/2 cups of the broth; cook 3 minutes.

Mix cornstarch with warm water.

To remaining 1/2 cup broth add sugar and sesame oil. Add this mixture to pan and cook until shrimp and vegetables are just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not overcook.

Gradually stir in cornstarch mixture. Sauce should have consistency of thick gravy.

If needed to thicken, you can add additional cornstarch or water. Decorate with almonds and serve immediately with white rice.