Because this dish has only two ingredients, finding the best shrimp is of utmost importance. In Hong Kong, where only live fish is considered fresh, live shrimp are common. Here you may find them at some fishmongers (especially in Chinese neighborhoods) and even in some Western supermarkets. The wine traditionally used for this dish in the south of China is Mei Kuei Lu Chiew and is quite strong and a little sweet; you can find it at many Chinese markets. Shopping hassles aside, this dish is worth trying. Serve it with an assortment of other Chinese dishes or as a starter.

　　

Ingredients

makes 4 servings

　　1 pound medium shrimp, preferably live

　　1 1/4 cups Mei Kuei Lu Chiew, dry Gewürztraminer, or gin

　　

Step 1

If you are using live shrimp, run them under cold water to clean them thoroughly. In any case, leave the shells on. Place the shrimp in a bowl with 1 cup of the wine, cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Heat a wok or deep skillet over high heat, then add the remaining 1/4 cup wine. When the wine is almost boiling, carefully ignite it, then immediately add the shrimp with its marinade. (If you are not comfortable igniting the wine, bring it to a rolling boil.) Cook the shrimp, stirring, until they turn pink, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve

　　The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman. © 2005 by Mark Bittman. Published by Broadway Books. All Rights Reserved.MARK BITTMAN is the author of the blockbuster The Best Recipes in the World (Broadway, 2005) and the classic bestseller How to Cook Everything, which has sold more than one million copies. He is also the coauthor, with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, of Simple to Spectacular and Jean-Georges: Cooking at Home with a Four-Star Chef. Mr. Bittman is a prolific writer, makes frequent appearances on radio and television, and is the host of The Best Recipes in the World, a 13-part series on public television. He lives in New York and Connecticut.