How do Chinese restaurants make shrimp so tender?

Ever wondered why shrimp from your local Chinese takeout is always melt-in-your-mouth soft? It’s all about a technique called “velveting.” Before cooking, shrimp are briefly marinated in a blend of egg white, cornstarch, a splash of oil, and a touch of baking soda. This coating protects the shrimp from intense heat and locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is juicy, plump, and never rubbery. To try this at home with your next recipe , simply toss the cleaned shrimp in this mix for 10 minutes, then cook as usual. Even a sprinkle of cornstarch on your shrimp before tossing them in the pan will make a noticeable difference!

Do mushrooms and shrimp go together?

Absolutely—they’re a power couple in the world of quick-cooking dinners. Mushrooms offer a rich, earthy foundation that beautifully absorbs the stir fry’s savory sauce, while shrimp brings a mild sweetness and delicate bite. The contrast in texture is what makes the recipe so satisfying. Whether you use button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms, the flavors only get better as they mingle in the hot pan.

Does asparagus go in a stir-fry?

Yes! Asparagus is made for stir-frying. Its natural crunch and bright, green flavor come alive with quick, high-heat cooking. In any recipe, asparagus delivers a burst of freshness that lifts up the dish and balances the richness of both shrimp and mushrooms. Slicing it on the diagonal helps it cook fast while adding an eye-catching look to your finished stir fry.

When should you add mushrooms to stir-fry?

Timing is everything in stir fry cooking, especially with mushrooms. For the best texture and flavor, add your mushrooms just after the asparagus has started to soften but before it’s fully cooked. This way, the mushrooms have a chance to brown lightly, soak up flavors, and stay tender—not soggy. Keep the pan hot and stir frequently. By the time you toss the shrimp back in, everything should be perfectly cooked and ready to soak up the sauce.

Stir-fried Shrimp, Asparagus, and Mushrooms Best Free Flavor Boost

Name: how to make a Delicious Stir-Fried Shrimp, Asparagus, and Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2½ tablespoons avocado oil, divided; 1 pound 16/20 count shrimp, deveined and deshelled; 1 pound asparagus, cut into 1½ inch diagonal pieces, bottom 1 inch removed; 1½ tablespoons ginger, minced; 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand), plus more to taste; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon oyster sauce; ¼ cup water; Jasmine rice, for serving (optional)

how to make a Delicious Stir-Fried Shrimp, Asparagus, and Mushrooms

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A quick and vibrant stir-fry featuring tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and savory mushrooms, tossed in a flavorful garlic and ginger-infused sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over jasmine rice.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

2½ tablespoons avocado oil, divided
1 pound 16/20 count shrimp, deveined and deshelled
1 pound asparagus, cut into 1½ inch diagonal pieces, bottom 1 inch removed
1½ tablespoons ginger, minced
1½ tablespoons garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand), plus more to taste
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
¼ cup water
Jasmine rice, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1¼ tablespoons avocado oil and sauté garlic for one minute.
Add shrimp, red chili flakes, and salt. Cook until shrimp are pink (about 2-3 minutes) and slightly undercooked. Remove shrimp and garlic from wok and set aside in a bowl.
Over medium-high heat, add remaining 1¼ tablespoons avocado oil and ginger to the wok. Cook for one minute, then add asparagus. Stir constantly for 2 minutes.
Return shrimp mixture to the wok and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add oyster sauce and ¼ cup water. Cook until the liquid slightly reduces and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
Serve immediately, garnished with jasmine rice if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and slightly underdone before adding back to the wok.
Asparagus should remain bright and crisp for best texture.
Serve with jasmine rice or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (without rice)
Calories: 185
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 570mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/stir-fried-shrimp-asparagus-mushrooms/