Sweet and Sour Shrimp is a delicious Thai-inspired seafood dish featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a vibrant sweet-and-sour sauce with fresh vegetables and juicy pineapple. The combination of succulent shrimp, colorful peppers, and a glossy tangy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that makes this dish a favorite in Thai restaurants.

Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, Sweet and Sour Shrimp is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy and juicy shrimp
  • Sweet, tangy, and savory sauce
  • Colorful vegetables and tropical pineapple
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Perfect with rice or noodles
  • Restaurant-quality results at home

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg white
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Vegetables

  • 1 onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tomato, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Kitchen Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Wok or frying pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Paper towels

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Season with salt and white pepper.

Add egg white and mix well.

Combine cornstarch and flour, then coat the shrimp evenly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a bowl, mix together:

  • Ketchup
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Water

Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan to 175°C (350°F).

Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Do not overcook, as shrimp can become tough.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a clean wok.

Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.

Add onion and bell peppers.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Add pineapple chunks and tomato wedges.

Stir-fry for another minute.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the wok.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously.

Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the crispy shrimp to the sauce.

Gently toss until evenly coated.

Cook for about 1 minute and remove from heat.

Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet and Sour Shrimp is best served with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Coconut rice
  • Thai fried rice
  • Stir-fried noodles
  • Fresh cucumber and tomato salad

Chef's Tips

  • Use large fresh shrimp for the best texture.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp during frying.
  • Fresh pineapple provides a more authentic Thai flavor.
  • Double-fry shrimp briefly for extra crispiness.
  • Add sliced Thai chilies for a spicy version.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 14g

Popular Variations

Spicy Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Add Thai bird's eye chilies or chili paste to the sauce.

Sweet and Sour Seafood Mix

Combine shrimp with squid, scallops, and fish.

Tropical Shrimp Delight

Add mango chunks along with pineapple.

Healthy Stir-Fried Version

Skip the frying and stir-fry the shrimp directly before adding the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before coating and frying.

What size shrimp is best?

Large or extra-large shrimp provide the best texture and presentation.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

Serve immediately after coating with sauce, or serve the sauce separately and pour it over the shrimp when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Sour Shrimp is a colorful and flavorful Thai-inspired seafood dish that combines crispy shrimp, fresh vegetables, tropical pineapple, and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with delicious flavors, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, entertaining guests, or satisfying your craving for restaurant-style Thai cuisine at home. Serve with fragrant jasmine rice and enjoy every delicious bite.