Chinese-style Tapas

Ingredients

While the original Spanish tapas are typically served as small plates with a variety of dishes, Chinese-style tapas take inspiration from the concept of dim sum. Dim sum is a traditional Chinese style of serving small, bite-sized portions of food. In this adaptation, we incorporate Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques to create a harmonious blend of flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g (7 oz) Chinese sausage, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) Chinese sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons water
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Chinese sausage and cook until lightly browned.
3. 3.
   Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
5. 5.
   Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the shrimp and vegetables.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve the Chinese-style tapas hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove the digestive tract. This can be done by making a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and removing the dark vein.
• Chinese sausage — If Chinese sausage is not available, you can substitute it with regular sausage or bacon for a different flavor profile.
• Rice vinegar — If you don't have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
• Cornstarch — To ensure a smooth sauce, mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the skillet. This will prevent lumps from forming.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add some chopped chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.
• Serve the Chinese-style tapas with steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey or add a touch of brown sugar.
• Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before starting the stir-frying process, as it cooks quickly.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style tapas as a shared appetizer or as part of a dim sum feast. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Provide small plates and chopsticks for an authentic dining experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, arrange the shrimp and vegetables on skewers before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and makes it easier for guests to enjoy the tapas.