Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Delight

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe. Combining tender shrimp with crisp green beans in a savory sauce, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for busy evenings, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry

This recipe serves 4 and features fresh, wholesome ingredients.

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.

2. Blanch the Green Beans

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
• Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the sliced red bell pepper and blanched green beans. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Combine and Add Sauce

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Stir the prepared sauce to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated, then pour it over the shrimp and vegetables.
• Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is well coated.

6. Serve

• Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from shrimp and green beans.
3. Flavorful Sauce: A savory blend that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
4. Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh shrimp and green beans provide the best texture and flavor.

Prep Ahead

• Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying goes quickly.

High Heat Cooking

• Stir-fry over medium-high to high heat for a crisp-tender texture and to prevent steaming.

Avoid Overcrowding

• Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and to maintain high heat.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Vegetable Substitutions

• Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots.

Spice It Up

• Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.

Noodle Stir-Fry

• Toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles instead of serving over rice for a different twist.

FAQs About Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry

1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

• Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Is There a Substitute for Oyster Sauce?

• Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

A Delicious and Satisfying Meal

This Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will make it a regular in your meal rotation. Its simplicity and versatility allow you to customize it to your liking, ensuring a dish that everyone will enjoy.

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Happy cooking!