Spicy-Sweet Shrimp and Crisp Vegetable Stir-Fry

1. Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together sugar, distilled white vinegar, Asian chili-garlic sauce, dry sherry, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth.

2. Marinate the Shrimp

Combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and salt in a medium bowl. Let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes.

3. Prepare Vegetables

While the shrimp is marinating, slice the garlic and shallot thinly and combine them in a small bowl.

4. Cook Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the snow peas and red bell pepper, cooking them for about 1.5 to 2 minutes until they begin to brown.

5. Cook Shallot and Garlic

In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil and add the shallot and garlic mixture. Cook this for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.

6. Cook Shrimp

Add the marinated shrimp, reduce the heat slightly, and cook for 1 to 1.5 minutes until the shrimp start to turn pink and firm up.

7. Add Sauce

Stir the prepared sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Return the heat to high and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the shrimp are fully cooked.

8. Combine and Serve

Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet. Toss everything together until the vegetables and shrimp are well-coated with the sauce. Serve immediately.