Stir-Fried Shrimp With Xo Sauce

Ingredients

For the XO sauce

• 8 tablespoons peanut oil, plus 1 tbsp
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 stick lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 ounce dried shrimp, chopped
• 1 ounce prosciutto, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili pepper flakes

For the stir-fry

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional)
• 5 ounces snow peas, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 lb shrimp, shelled
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 pinch white pepper

Directions

1. 1

   For the XO sauce: heat half of the oil in a wok or saucepan set over a very low heat. Add the chopped garlic, followed by the shallot and lemon grass. Poach everything in the oil for 5-10 minutes stirring often.

2. 2

   Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir in the dried shrimps, ham, and chili flakes.

3. 3

   Continue frying over a low heat until the seafood takes on a golden hue and the ham becomes crisp.

4. 4

   Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool. Transfer everything to a large glass jar secured with a lid. Leave everything to steep for a minimum of 2-3 hours.

5. 5

   This sauce improves with age and is best left to steep for a couple of weeks in the fridge or a cool place. A little goes a long way - use this sauce as a perky seasoning for stir-fries, noodles and rice dishes.

6. 6

   For the stir-fry: heat the rinsed wok over a high heat and add the sesame oil.

7. 7

   Tip in the snow peas and peppers and stir-fry for a minute before removing from the pan.

8. 8

   Add the shrimp, sugar and white pepper and continue frying for 2-3 minutes.

9. 9

   Return the peppers and sugar snaps to the pan and stir in enough XO sauce to give a spicy kick - you'll probably only need a tablespoon or so. The rest of the sauce can be used for other South East Asian dishes.

10. 10

    Combine the cornstarch with 2 tbs water and add to the pan, stirring all the time. This will bring all the juices together. Serve straight away with rice or noodles.