Chinese Hunan Shrimp is a spicy and flavorful dish featuring shrimp, colorful veggies, and a kick of heat. It’s quick to make and bursting with vibrant flavors!
I love how this dish brings the heat without needing a fire alarm! 😂 Serve it over rice for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your friends or family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the star ingredient here, delivering a lovely texture. If unavailable, you can use medium shrimp or even chicken for a different protein. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Green Beans: These add a great crunch and balance to the dish. If you don’t have green beans, bell peppers or snap peas can work well too. Just make sure they are cut evenly for even cooking.
Hunan Chili Sauce: This sauce gives the dish its signature heat and flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, you could use sweet chili sauce instead, or add less of the Hunan sauce. Alternatively, Szechuan sauce is a good choice for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil: I prefer using a neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil for stir-frying. If you’re looking to keep it healthier, avocado oil is another great option. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point.
What’s the Best Way to Stir-Fry Without Overcooking?
Stir-frying is quick and fun, but it can also be tricky! Here are some tips to get it right:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the food cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. If there’s too much food in the pan, it will steam instead of fry.
- Keep everything moving. Stir continuously so that the ingredients cook evenly and don’t burn.
- Cut your veggies uniformly. This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate.
- Add ingredients in stages; start with the ones that take the longest to cook. In this recipe, you might consider cooking the green beans first.
With these tips, you’ll master the stir-fry technique in no time! Enjoy making your Hunan Shrimp just the way you like it!
Chinese Hunan Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2-3 scallions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 dried red chili peppers (optional for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Hunan chili sauce (or chili garlic sauce)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)
For Serving:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 20 minutes total. It includes about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and another 10 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to season.
2. Cook the Green Beans:
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Once hot, toss in the trimmed green beans and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove the green beans from the wok and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Next, add the minced garlic, ginger, the white parts of the scallions, and the dried red chili peppers if you want the heat. Stir-fry everything for about 30 seconds until fragrant (but be careful not to burn the garlic!).
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry them until they start to turn pink, which should take about 2 minutes. Make sure you stir continuously for even cooking!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the Hunan chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir everything well and allow it to cook for 1 minute so the flavors meld together nicely.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the green beans to the wok and toss everything together. Then, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce coats the shrimp and vegetables nicely. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve:
Remove the wok from the heat. Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions over the top along with sesame seeds if desired. Serve your delicious Hunan Shrimp hot over a bed of steamed white rice.
This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a delightful mix of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that are characteristic of Hunan cuisine. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before beginning the recipe. To thaw, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 10-15 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Hunan Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have Hunan chili sauce on hand, chili garlic sauce or Szechuan sauce are great alternatives that will still give a nice kick. You can also use a mix of sriracha and soy sauce for a similar flavor profile.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
To tone down the spiciness, reduce the amount of Hunan chili sauce used in the recipe. You can also omit the dried red chili peppers and substitute them with a little bit of sweet chili sauce for flavor without the heat.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things moist.
