If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances bold heat, fresh crunch, and satisfying protein, this Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. It’s a lively celebration of flavors where tender shrimp meet blistered green beans coated in a savory chili garlic sauce. Quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when friends drop by, this recipe captures that irresistible combination of spicy, salty, and aromatic all in one skillet. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved option in the world of easy, wholesome cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the shrimp’s delicate sweetness to the vibrant snap of fresh green beans, everything comes together in harmony.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- 12 ounces fresh green beans (trimmed): Adds a crisp, fresh bite and gorgeous green color.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a rich umami depth and salty punch.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances flavor with a subtle sweetness and savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce: Delivers the signature spicy kick and some garlicky warmth.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for stir-frying.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic packs punchy, aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Offers a subtle zing and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like their spice turned up a notch.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional): Helps thicken the sauce to cling beautifully.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor as garnish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Heat the Pan
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This combination is the flavor powerhouse of the dish. Next, heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat—that sizzling hot pan is key to getting that perfect quick-cooked texture on both shrimp and green beans.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Green Beans
Add the fresh green beans and toss them in the hot oil. Stir-fry for around 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften but still have a satisfying crunch, with a few little blistered spots for smoky flavor. This step ensures your green beans maintain their beautiful color and texture.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Cook Shrimp
Push the green beans to the side of the skillet and add the minced garlic and grated ginger directly to the center. Sauté these aromatics for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then add the shrimp, stirring frequently to make sure they cook evenly. In just 2 to 3 minutes, they will turn that perfect pink and opaque—juicy and tender with just the right bite.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Optional Thickening
Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and green beans, tossing everything to coat evenly. If you prefer a saucier, clingier finish, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat even more.
Step 5: Garnish and Final Touches
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast. Your Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe is now ready to serve piping hot and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions add a burst of color and mild zing that brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and that classic toasted flavor that complements the sesame oil perfectly.
Side Dishes
This vibrant stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or a simple noodle dish like garlic noodles for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the spicy shrimp and green beans over a bed of crispy fried rice or wrapped in lettuce cups for a fun, interactive meal. You can also drizzle some extra chili garlic sauce on top if you want more of that fiery, finger-licking heat that makes this recipe so addictive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as tasty or even better the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, shrimp tend to get a bit rubbery after freezing and reheating. For best texture, freeze the green beans and sauce separately from the shrimp if you plan to freeze the meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if necessary to maintain juiciness. Avoid microwaving as it can make shrimp tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking. This helps them sear properly and prevents excess water from diluting your sauce.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the chili garlic sauce and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less chili garlic sauce according to your taste preferences.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a bit of mushroom soy sauce as a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Both will provide a similar savory sweetness that enriches the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Many brands now offer tamari or gluten-free versions, so it’s easy to enjoy this recipe without gluten worries.
How do I keep the green beans crispy?
Quick stir-frying over high heat is key to maintaining that perfect crispness. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, and cook green beans just until they start to blister and soften slightly, so they don’t get soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe is more than just a quick dinner—it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that will make your kitchen feel alive with every bite. I truly hope you give it a try and see just how effortlessly vibrant healthy eating can be. It’s a dish that happily satisfies spice lovers and green veggies fans alike, making it a real keeper in your recipe collection.
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Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course that combines tender shrimp with crisp green beans tossed in a spicy, savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it delivers a delicious balance of heat, umami, and fresh aromatics, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 12 ounces fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Other
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you cook.
- Heat the pan: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking; this ensures a good sear on the vegetables and shrimp.
- Cook green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the pan and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they begin to soften and blister, imparting a slight charred flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Push the green beans to the side of the pan and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
- Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan with the aromatics. Stir frequently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating doneness.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and green beans, tossing everything together to coat evenly and bring out the savory and spicy flavors.
- Thicken sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the shrimp and beans.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using for extra heat. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
- Feel free to substitute the green beans with snow peas or asparagus for a different vegetable twist.
- To keep it gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
