Shrimp and Pineapple Stir-Fry for Two

Light, simple, and super tasty, this little stir-fry for two is as flavorful as it is easy to put together. Like any stir-fry, it cooks in minutes and delivers rich sweet-and-sour taste—with a touch of spice—and a little glossy finish that's kind of pretty.

Note: If fresh pineapple is available, go for that. You can use canned, but nothing beats the real fruit. Cut it into small cubes for easy eating.

Serves 2

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 2 tsp sambal oelek (ground fresh chile paste)
• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped 

For the Stir-Fry

• 6 tsp water
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp peanut oil, divided
• 1/2 lb small-medium shrimp (36-40 count), shelled and deveined
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced and separated
• 2 Thai chiles, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup small pineapple chunks
• 1 cup cooked white rice, for serving

Stir-Fry Ingredients

Preparation

For the Sauce

1. Whisk the chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sambal oelek in a small bowl.
2. Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add the peanut oil. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry 35-40 seconds. Add the broth mixture and simmer 2 minutes. (Reduce the heat if the mixture comes to a hard boil.)
3. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and set aside. Do not wipe out the wok.

Mixed Stir-Fry Sauce Ingredients

Garlic and Ginger 

Sauce Added

For the Stir-Fry

1. Whisk the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
2. Re-heat the wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil, swirling to coat. 
3. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and stir-fry until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the white parts of the scallions, chiles, and bell pepper and stir-fry 3 minutes.
5. Add the pineapple chunks and stir-fry 2 minutes.
6. Return the shrimp to the wok and stir in the reserved sauce. Simmer 1 minute.
7. Re-whisk the cornstarch mixture and add to the wok. Stir well until the sauce is slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes. 

Shrimp Beginning to Stir-Fry

Stir-Fried Shrimp

Vegetables Beginning to Stir-Fry

Pineapple Added 

Shrimp and Sauce Added

To serve, divide the rice between 2 shallow bowls. Divide the shrimp mixture on top and sprinkle the green parts of the scallions over all.

Shrimp and Pineapple Stir-Fry