Drunken shrimp facts for kids

Drunken shrimp (called zuìxiā in Chinese) is a well-known dish from parts of China. It uses freshwater shrimp that are prepared in different ways. Sometimes the shrimp are cooked, and sometimes they are prepared in a way that means they are still alive when served. The name "drunken" comes from how the shrimp are prepared using a type of rice wine.

What is Drunken Shrimp?

Drunken shrimp is a unique dish where freshwater shrimp are soaked in rice wine. This process is part of the traditional way to prepare them. The dish is popular in various regions of China, and the exact recipe can be different from one place to another.

How is Drunken Shrimp Prepared?

There are several ways to make drunken shrimp. Some recipes involve soaking the shrimp in alcohol and then cooking them in hot water. In other versions, the shrimp are first boiled and cooked, and then they are marinated (soaked) in rice wine afterwards.

Different Ways to Make It

One traditional method involves placing live shrimp into a bowl of rice wine. The wine helps the shrimp to clean themselves by expelling any waste. After this, the shrimp become very still, almost like they are asleep. They are then taken out of the bowl, their shells are removed, and they are ready to be eaten. This method is why the dish is sometimes called "drunken" or "live" shrimp.

Why is it Called "Drunken"?

The dish gets its name because rice wine is a key ingredient in its preparation. The shrimp are "drunken" because they are soaked in the wine. This process makes them easier to handle and eat, and it also adds a special flavor to the dish.

Health and Safety Concerns

It is important to know that eating uncooked freshwater shrimp can be risky. Freshwater shrimp can sometimes carry tiny parasites that might cause health problems if eaten raw. These parasites can lead to an illness called paragonimiasis, which can affect people's lungs. Because of this, many people prefer to cook shrimp thoroughly before eating them to ensure they are safe.

Images for kids

• 

  Drunken shrimp prepared with wine

• 

  Half-cooked drunken shrimp

See also

In Spanish: Gamba borracha para niños