If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine and love experimenting with flavors, then you must try this delicious Kung Pao Shrimp Spaghetti recipe. It combines the bold and spicy flavors of Kung Pao shrimp with the classic Italian spaghetti, creating a unique fusion dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of spaghetti
– 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup of unsalted peanuts
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
First, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the peanuts and toast them until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the diced bell pepper, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and stir well to combine. Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp back into the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spaghetti is heated through. Serve hot and garnish with additional chopped green onions, if desired.
FAQs:
1. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can easily substitute shrimp with chicken in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the shrimp and add tofu or your favorite vegetables instead.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
4. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use any type of noodles you prefer, such as rice noodles or udon noodles.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the spaghetti in advance, then combine them just before serving.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, then this dish can be made gluten-free.
7. Can I use cashews instead of peanuts?
Certainly! Cashews will provide a delicious alternative to peanuts in this recipe.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the spaghetti may become mushy when reheated.
9. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
10. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
11. Can I make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.