Chinese Hunan Shrimp is a spicy dish that’s full of flavor! It features shrimp cooked with fresh vegetables, garlic, and a special sauce that brings a nice kick.
This dish is perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their meals! I enjoy making it on busy weeknights since it’s quick and always cheers me up with its vibrant taste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for this dish. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp work perfectly too. Just thaw them before cooking. For a vegetarian option, you might try using tofu or a veggie mix instead!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give a nice crunch, but you can substitute with snow peas or broccoli if needed. These alternatives add different textures while still keeping it colorful and healthy.
Chilies: The red chilies add heat, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer milder flavors, swap them with bell peppers or skip them entirely. You can also use dried red pepper flakes if fresh aren’t available!
Sauce Ingredients: If black vinegar is hard to find, rice vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes. If you want a sweeter sauce, a touch of honey can enhance the flavor!
How to Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky as they cook fast! Here’s how to make sure they’re perfectly done:
- First, make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry. This helps them sear nicely.
- Heat the oil on medium-high heat before adding shrimp. Look for a sizzle when they hit the pan!
- Cook them for just 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink. Don’t overcook, as they can turn rubbery. They need to be just opaque.
Chinese Hunan Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp and Vegetables:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 8 oz (225g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 2-3 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (or chili paste)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chinese Hunan Shrimp recipe will take approximately 30 minutes in total. About 10 minutes for prep time, including washing and chopping, and another 20 minutes for cooking. Super quick and a perfect weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to clean them. Make sure to pat them dry using paper towels—this helps them get a nice sear when cooking. Set the shrimp aside while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp. Once done, drain them and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, black vinegar (or rice vinegar), hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Whisk everything together and set this tasty sauce aside. You’re gonna love it!
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In a large wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, stirring for about 30 seconds until you can smell the amazing fragrance.
5. Add the Shrimp:
Now, it’s time to add the shrimp to the wok! Stir-fry them for about 2 minutes until they start turning pink. This means they’re almost cooked through!
6. Stir in the Veggies:
Add the sliced chilies and the blanched green beans to the shrimp in the wok. Stir-fry these together for another 2 minutes. The mix of colors and aromas will be fantastic!
7. Mix in the Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour the sauce over everything in the wok. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the shrimp and veggies evenly.
8. Add Final Touches:
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and mix in the chopped green onions. They’ll add a fresh flavor that perfectly complements the dish.
9. Serve It Up:
Transfer your beautiful Hunan shrimp and green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch and flavor. Serve hot over steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce!
Enjoy your homemade Chinese Hunan Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Black Vinegar?
If you can’t find black vinegar, rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes. They will slightly change the flavor profile but will still work well in the sauce!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce or extra fresh red chilies. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top when serving for an added kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
