Hunan-style Shrimp Pancakes

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Korean Saewoojeon is transformed into a Hunan-style dish by incorporating the distinct flavors and spices of Hunan cuisine. The addition of Hunan chili paste and other traditional Hunan ingredients infuses the dish with a fiery kick and a unique aroma, setting it apart from the original Saewoojeon. We alse have the original recipe for Saewoojeon, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon Hunan chili paste 1 tablespoon Hunan chili paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup rice flour 1/2 cup rice flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Hunan chili powder 1/2 teaspoon Hunan chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the shrimp, soy sauce, rice wine, Hunan chili paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder, Hunan chili powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, and water until smooth.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Dip each marinated shrimp into the batter, coating it evenly, and place it in the hot pan.
5. 5.
   Cook the shrimp pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Hunan-style shrimp pancakes hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a side of Hunan chili sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove any grit or sand. Pat them dry before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate the shrimp effectively.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few slices of fresh red chili peppers to the batter.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Hunan chili paste or substitute it with a milder chili sauce.
• Serve the shrimp pancakes with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce with a dash of vinegar for added variety.
• To make the pancakes even crispier, lightly dust them with cornstarch before frying.

Serving advice

Serve the Hunan-style shrimp pancakes as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, with a drizzle of Hunan chili sauce and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the shrimp pancakes on a platter, garnished with vibrant green onions. The bright red color of the pancakes will create a striking visual contrast against the green garnish. Serve them alongside a small bowl of Hunan chili sauce for dipping.