The natural flavor of shrimp enhanced with cashew nuts, without the need for heavy sauces, is the style of cooking in Suzhou, China. Jin Wen Yuan is a trained chef and businessman in this charming area of China. He prepared this dish for my friend Joanna Preuss on her recent trip there. I've adapted the recipe for this quick dinner.
Here are some of her cooking tips for successful wok cooking:
_ Prepare and then line up the ingredients before you cook.
_ Preheat the wok or skillet before adding oil, so it sizzles when ingredients are added.
Helpful Hints:
_ Just barely cover the cashews with water when completing the dish.
_ Look for raw or unsalted cashew nuts.
_ Frozen snow peas can be used if fresh are not available.
Countdown:
_ Prepare all ingredients.
_ Make snow peas and rice.
_ Make shrimp dish.
Shopping List:
To buy: } pound peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 package unsalted cashews, 1 bottle sesame oil, 1 small bunch scallions, 1 package snow peas (12 ounces needed) and 1 package microwaveable brown rice.
Staples: egg, sugar, cornstarch, salt and black peppercorns.
