Shrimp with Sprite Recipe (Halabos na Hipon)

This Filipino dish, known as "Halabos na Hipon," features plump shrimp cooked in a light, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce made with vinegar, garlic, and Sprite (or another clear soda). The result is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish that's perfect served over steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails can be left on for presentation)
• 1 cup Sprite or 7-Up (clear soda) 
• ½ cup white vinegar (like cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar) 
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced 
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil) 
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity) 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 tablespoon water + 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional) 
• Sliced green onions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp

• Rinse the shrimp and pat dry.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper. 
• Sauté Garlic and Onions
• Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. 
• Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). 
• Add sliced onions and cook until softened.

2. Add the Shrimp

• Toss in the shrimp and cook until they start turning pink (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, pour in the white vinegar and Sprite. 
• Bring to a gentle simmer. 
• If using, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce to thicken slightly. 
• Add sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor to balance the vinegar. 
• Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

4. Combine Everything

• Return the shrimp to the pan and gently coat in the sauce. 
• Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the flavors meld together.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Transfer to a serving plate. 
• Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro. 
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a few peppercorns or a dash of fish sauce. 
• You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for crunch. 
• Adjust the amount of Sprite and vinegar depending on how sweet or tangy you want the sauce.

Pairing Suggestion:

• Serve with steamed jasmine rice or buttered rice to soak up the delicious sauce.