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Recently I felt the need for a lighter, healthier dinner after a run of heavier foods.  I think the little baby growing inside me is pushing on my stomach, giving me less room for food :)  Whatever the reason, this dinner was the perfect solution.  Such a very healthy meal but still delicious and filling.  Our store was out of shiitake mushrooms so I just used baby bellas and it was still great.  I have made it before with shiitakes and they are wonderful as well.  Even Ben loved it (and I could tell he wasn’t expecting to like it that much) – haha!

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Snow Peas and Mushrooms

Ingredients:

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. dry sherry

2 tsp. water

4 tsp. peanut oil

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 Tbs. peeled and minced fresh ginger

1 small garlic clove, minced

1 package fresh snow peas

1/2 lb. fresh shiitake mushrooms, brushed clean, stems removed and caps cut into 1” pieces

1/4 cup chicken stock

1/4 tsp. Asian sesame oil

1/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more, to taste

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch, sherry and water. Set aside.

Preheat a wok or deep, heavy fry pan over high heat. Add 2 tsp. of the peanut oil and carefully tilt and rotate the pan to distribute the oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp and stir-fry until they are bright pink but not yet cooked through, about 3 minutes. Do not overcook them. Transfer to a plate.

Return the pan to high heat. Drizzle in the remaining 2 tsp. peanut oil, tilting the pan to coat the bottom and sides with the oil. Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the snow peas and mushrooms and return the shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry until the snow peas are bright green, 30 to 60 seconds. Pour in the stock and cook until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Briefly stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine, then pour it into the pan. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens and turns clear, about 2 minutes. Add the sesame oil, salt and pepper. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and serve immediately.

Source: adapted from Williams Sonoma