Chinese Hunan Shrimp is a delicious dish packed with juicy shrimp and vibrant vegetables. It’s known for its spicy kick and bold flavors that will surely wake up your taste buds!
This dish is lightly stir-fried and perfectly seasoned, so each bite is full of excitement! I love serving it over rice to soak up all the tasty sauce—just can’t get enough! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are key for this dish, but you can substitute with medium shrimp or even chicken if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. I find shrimp adds a great tenderness that’s hard to beat!
Dried Red Chilies: These add spice and flavor, but you can use red pepper flakes or even sriracha if you don’t have dried chilies. I love using fresh jalapeños for a milder heat and fresh flavor, too!
Vegetables: Green beans and snap peas give a nice crunch, but feel free to swap in bell peppers or broccoli if you like. Asparagus works well too! It’s all about what you enjoy and have on hand!
Soy Sauce: A staple in many Asian dishes, if you need a lower-sodium option, try reduced-sodium soy sauce. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free version, which is my go-to when I have friends over with dietary restrictions!
How Do You Stir-Fry Like a Pro?
Stir-frying is a quick cooking method that keeps your ingredients crisp and flavorful. Here are some tips to make it a success:
- Prep everything before you start cooking—have your ingredients chopped and your sauce mixed. This way, you don’t rush and end up burning anything.
- Make sure your wok or skillet is hot! This helps sear the ingredients quickly and maintains their crunch.
- Cook in batches if you’re making a larger quantity. This ensures everything cooks evenly without steaming.
- Keep stirring! It’s called stir-frying for a reason. This allows the heat to reach all parts of the ingredients for that perfect cook.
By following these steps, you’ll create a beautifully colored and flavorful shrimp dish that impresses everyone!
Chinese Hunan Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3-4 dried red chilies, whole
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup green beans or snap peas, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- Cooked white jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chinese Hunan Shrimp recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll have a tasty meal ready in around 25 minutes! Quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then set aside. This sauce will bring all the flavors together!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This will create a great base for stir-frying.
3. Cook the Dried Chilies:
Add the dried red chilies to the pan and stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant—just be careful not to burn them!
4. Add Aromatics:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for another 20 seconds until they release their lovely scent.
5. Add the Shrimp:
Now, it’s time to add the shrimp! Stir-fry them until they start turning pink, which should take about 2 minutes. Make sure to move them around so they cook evenly!
6. Include the Vegetables:
Add the green beans or snap peas. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are fresh and crisp-tender.
7. Pour in the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with that scrumptious sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Now add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This step will make your dish look beautiful and appetizing!
9. Finish with Green Onions:
Finally, toss in the green parts of the sliced green onions and mix them well. This adds a lovely color and freshness!
10. Serve It Up:
Remove the pan from the heat and serve your delightful Hunan shrimp immediately over a bed of steaming jasmine rice. Enjoy every bite!
This vibrant dish perfectly showcases the bold, spicy, and savory flavors of Hunan cuisine with a delightful shrimp and vegetable stir-fry. Enjoy your meal! 🍤✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How to Control the Spiciness in This Dish?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of dried red chilies or omit the chili garlic sauce. You can always add a little at a time and taste as you cook to find the right heat level for you!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily substitute the shrimp with tofu or your favorite vegetables. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly! Tofu will need a bit longer to get crispy, while veggies like bell peppers or zucchini will not.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help steam the shrimp back to tenderness!