Stir-Fried Sesame Shrimp and Spinach

1. Prepare Shrimp

Begin by gently rinsing the shrimp under cold water. After salting them, lay them out on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This will help the shrimp sear rather than steam when they hit the hot pan.

2. Mix Seasonings

In a small bowl, blend together a mix of salt and sugar. This simple combination will enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and spinach without overpowering them.

3. Stir-Fry Aromatics

When you're ready to cook, heat your wok over high heat and pour in about half of the canola or sesame oil. As the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic, ginger, and crumbled dried red chili to the wok. Stir these aromatics for a brief 10 seconds, just enough time for their scents to bloom and become fragrant, signaling they are ready for the next step.

4. Cook Shrimp

Now, add the shrimp to the wok, letting them sit for a minute undisturbed to get a nice sear. Then, pour in the remaining oil and stir-fry the shrimp for another minute until they're just turning pink and opaque. The quick, high heat keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.

5. Add Spinach and Sesame

With the shrimp nearly done, toss in the sesame seeds and the washed spinach. The salt and sugar mixture goes in now, too. Stir-fry for a minute as the spinach begins to wilt, then continue for two more minutes, or until the spinach is tender and the shrimp are cooked through. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the quick cook time preserves the fresh green color and nutrients in the spinach.

6. Finish with Sesame Oil

To finish, drizzle the dark sesame oil over the stir-fry, giving everything a final toss to coat the ingredients with this rich, toasty oil. Serve immediately, while the flavors are at their peak.