1. Freshness: Ingredients are the starting point of deliciousness

1. Winter Melon: Sweet and juicy, with specific selection criteria

Winter melon is one of the main characters in this dish, and its sweet and crisp texture lays the foundation for the dish. When selecting winter melon, the following points are particularly important:

• Appearance: Choose winter melons with a smooth surface, a green color, and a white frost; such winter melons usually have sufficient moisture and better texture.
• Weight: Among winter melons of the same size, the heavier ones contain more moisture and have a finer texture.
• Cut surface: If purchasing cut winter melon, check if the cut surface is moist, whether the flesh is firm, and if there are no cavities or yellowing.
• Season: Winter melon is most tender at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, making it the best time to purchase.

When handling winter melon, peel and seed it, then cut it into even thin slices or small pieces. Thin slices can better absorb seasonings and maintain a crisp texture; small pieces are easier to flavor and suitable for longer cooking times. The cut winter melon can be soaked in light salt water for 5 minutes to prevent oxidation and discoloration while enhancing the base flavor.

2. Shrimp: Fresh and tender, handling is key

The freshness of the shrimp is the soul of this dish. Using fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp can significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.

Selection: Fresh shrimp should be translucent, firm, and odorless; for frozen shrimp, choose products with minimal frost and plump pieces.

Thawing: Frozen shrimp should be slowly thawed in the refrigerator to avoid hot water soaking that can damage the texture.

Deodorizing: After peeling and deveining, marinate with 1 teaspoon of cooking wine, a little salt, and 1 teaspoon of starch for 10 minutes to remove the fishy smell and enhance tenderness.

Size: The size of the shrimp should match the winter melon pieces; too large or too small will affect the visual and textural balance.

3. Ingredients: Enhancing flavor, adding a finishing touch

In addition to winter melon and shrimp, an appropriate amount of ingredients can add layers to the dish. Commonly used ingredients include:

Ginger and garlic: Shredded ginger or minced garlic can enhance aroma and remove fishy smells, adding warmth.

Chopped green onions: Sprinkled on the finished dish, they enhance visual appeal and freshness.

Carrots or wood ear mushrooms: Carrot slices add color and sweetness, while wood ear mushrooms provide a crisp texture, chosen according to personal preference.

2. Cooking Time: The Art of Controlling Time and Temperature

Cooking time is the key to the success of stir-fried winter melon and shrimp. The winter melon should remain crisp, and the shrimp should be fresh and tender; precise control of cooking time can bring both to their best state.

1. Hot pan and quick stir-frying to lock in freshness

Pan temperature: The basic principle of stir-frying is to use a hot pan with cold oil. After the pan is heated until it slightly smokes, pour in the oil, and when the oil temperature reaches about 150°C (medium heat), add ginger and garlic to release their aroma.

Order: First stir-fry the shrimp until the surface changes color (about 30 seconds), then remove and set aside to avoid overcooking and making them tough. Next, stir-fry the winter melon quickly for 1-2 minutes until just cooked.

Heat: Maintain medium to high heat throughout to ensure even heating of the ingredients, locking in moisture and freshness.

2. The balance of soft and crisp winter melon

The cooking time for winter melon should be adjusted according to the size of the pieces and personal taste:

Thin slices: Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to keep them crisp, suitable for those who prefer a refreshing texture.

Small pieces: Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, adding a small amount of water to steam for 1 minute, making the winter melon slightly soft but not losing its shape, suitable for those who enjoy a tender texture.

3. Timing for returning the shrimp to the pan

The shrimp will be about 80% cooked after the initial stir-fry; when returning to the pan, simply stir-fry with the winter melon for 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure they are evenly coated with seasonings. Overheating for too long will cause the shrimp to shrink and become tough.

3. Seasoning: Simplicity Reveals True Flavor

The seasoning for stir-fried winter melon and shrimp is primarily light, highlighting the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Here is a classic seasoning formula:

Basic seasoning: Salt, a little white pepper, and 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce.

Enhancing aroma: 1 teaspoon of cooking wine (added during stir-frying), and a little sesame oil (drizzled before serving).

Enhancing freshness: A small amount of chicken essence or broth can be added to enhance umami flavor.

1. Seasoning steps

Aromatizing stage: After adding ginger and garlic to the pan, add cooking wine to release the aroma.

Winter melon stage: After stir-frying the winter melon until just cooked, add salt and white pepper, and quickly stir-fry evenly.

Combining stage: After returning the shrimp to the pan, add light soy sauce and a small amount of broth (or water), and stir-fry evenly.

Before serving: Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and quickly stir-fry a few times before serving.

2. Personal adjustments

Light flavor: Reduce the amount of light soy sauce and increase the proportion of broth to highlight the original flavor.

Strong flavor: A little oyster sauce or doubanjiang can be added to enhance the layers of flavor.

Slightly spicy flavor: Add 1-2 dried chili peppers or a little chili oil during stir-frying for a hint of spiciness.

4. Plating: A Perfect Combination of Visual and Taste

A perfect score dish of stir-fried winter melon and shrimp should not only taste good but also be visually appealing. Plating is the final step to enhance the overall experience of the dish.

Dish selection: Choose a light-colored porcelain plate or a white plate to highlight the green of the winter melon and the pink of the shrimp, increasing visual appeal.

Plating techniques: Spread the winter melon and shrimp evenly, sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro for decoration, adding color layers. If carrots or wood ear mushrooms are added, place the brightly colored ingredients in a prominent position.

Temperature control: Plate immediately after cooking to avoid prolonged sitting, which can cause the winter melon to release water and affect texture.

5. Practical Tips: Avoiding Pitfalls and Advancing Skills

1. Common problems and solutions

Winter melon releasing water: Do not let cut winter melon sit for too long, and ensure sufficient heat during stir-frying to avoid low-temperature slow cooking.

Shrimp not tender: Add starch during marinating, and control the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Single flavor: Try layered seasoning (such as adding cooking wine when marinating shrimp, adding salt when stir-frying winter melon, and adding light soy sauce when combining), to increase flavor complexity.

2. Advanced techniques

Using broth for flavor: Use chicken broth or seafood broth instead of water to steam the winter melon for a more delicious flavor.

Low-temperature oil sliding: After marinating, shrimp can be slid in low-temperature oil (about 120°C) for a smoother surface and more tender texture.

Fusion of East and West: Adding a little lemon juice or white wine can bring a hint of refreshing acidity, suitable for Western dining tables.