Shrimps & Capsicum Stir-fry

If any of you are wondering why I have called it Shrimps & ... and not Prawns &...,I must confess that I too had the same problem!

I find it difficult to differentiate between prawns and shrimps!So like most of them I have gone by their size and since these are smaller ones,I have called them shrimps.

But scientists say that this is not completely the right way to differentiate them!

Both prawns and shrimps are crustaceans related to lobster and crabs.They are scientifically differentiated based on the way the segments of their abdomen(tail) overlap and the number of claw like legs in the 5 pairs of legs that both have. For more info refer this site.

This dish has an incredibly low cooking time and is just so simple and easy to make.Also a very nutritious dish since shrimps are excellent sources of trace minerals like tryptophan and selenium and also protein,iron,vit D and omega 3 fatty acids.

Ingredients

Shrimps = 2cups
Turmeric powder = 1/8tsp
Red chilli powder = 1/4tsp

Onion(sliced) = 1
Green Capsicum(Bell pepper) = 1
Ginger(chopped) = 1tsp
Garlic(chopped)= 2tsp
Red chilli paste(Chinese) = 2tsp
Soyasauce = 1tsp
Tomato (chopped) = 2tbsp
Peanut oil/Sesame oil = 2tsp

Method

Since I used frozen shrimps,I had to first thaw it
Shell and devein the shrimps
Rinse under cold running water
Pat dry with a kitchen paper
Marinate with turmeric and red chilli powder for about 15-20mins

after marination

Heat oil in a pan,add chopped ginger and garlic and the onion and fry till translucent
Add the diced capsicum and fry
Then add the tomatoes and salt and mix well
Add the red chilli paste and soyasauce
Add the marinated shrimps and cook for about 3-4 mins




Serve hot with rice or noodles

P.S Marinate shrimps with a little salt and lime juice for 10 mins and then rinse,if you would like to lessen the strong smell.

If you are using frozen shrimps,remember that they cook faster since they are already blanched before freezing and cooking any shrimps frozen or fresh for a long time will make it tough.