If you’re a fan of bold flavors and vibrant textures, this Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. It marries succulent shrimp, marinated in a lively blend of chili garlic and smoky paprika, with crisp green beans tossed in fragrant garlic and ginger. Every bite bursts with a balanced heat, savory depth, and freshness that makes weeknight meals feel special. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list because each item here plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture. These simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a dish that is both zingy and comforting at the same time.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and juicy, ready to soak up all the spicy marinade.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for shrimp): Helps the marinade cling to the shrimp and ensures a nice sear during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for shrimp): Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce: Brings heat and pungent flavor; adjust for your preferred spice level.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that complements the chili.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Amplifies the spice, customizable to your taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all flavors.
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed: Crisp and vibrant, the perfect contrast to the tender shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for beans): Helps in stir-frying and coating the green beans beautifully.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic that adds bright, aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Adds a zingy, slightly spicy undertone.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for beans): Adds savory depth and rounds out the veggies.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and silky finish to the green beans.
- Salt and pepper: Balances the seasoning perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and toasty flavor as garnish.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where all the bold flavors get to know each other and infuse the shrimp deeply. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so every bite will be packed with spicy, smoky goodness.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Green Beans
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet or wok. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring just until fragrant—that quick burst of aroma wakes up the palate. Toss in the fresh green beans and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes so they soften slightly but still retain their satisfying crunch. Finish the green beans with soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat, and season with salt and pepper. Then set them aside while you cook the shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, now loaded with flavorful fond from the green beans, add the marinated shrimp. Cook them over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking ensures the shrimp stay tender and juicy, complementing the crisp beans perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Plate your stir-fried green beans as the base and then layer the spicy shrimp on top. For an added touch of texture and visual appeal, sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish if you like. Serve immediately while everything is delightfully warm and fresh.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch that wakes up the senses and gives a gorgeous finishing touch. You can also scatter some chopped scallions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and extra freshness. A wedge of lime on the side invites a squeeze of citrus brightness that cuts through the spicy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe is bold and savory, it pairs nicely with fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the juices. For a lighter option, quinoa or cauliflower rice work wonderfully. If you want more veggies, a simple cucumber salad or pickled carrots bring a cooling contrast to the dish’s heat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant presentation, serve this dish in shallow bowls with a scattering of fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce on top. Alternatively, you could plate it family-style on a large platter to encourage sharing and conversation around the table. Wrapping the shrimp and green beans in lettuce leaves for a handheld option makes for a fun and interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and green beans together for best flavor, but be aware that the green beans might lose some of their crispness over time.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp with green beans is possible but not ideal since the texture of the green beans will change and could become mushy. If you plan to freeze, store the shrimp separately and consume within a month for best taste. Thaw carefully in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or oil can help prevent sticking. Microwaving is quick but can dry out the shrimp, so use short bursts and cover the dish to trap steam.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture that can steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and adjustable. The chili garlic sauce and cayenne pepper provide a nice kick, but you can reduce or increase these to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the green beans with another vegetable?
Yes, snap peas, asparagus, or broccoli work well as substitutes, offering a similar crunch and freshness to complement the shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, as regular soy sauce contains wheat.
What’s the best way to get a nice sear on the shrimp?
Make sure the skillet is hot before adding shrimp, and avoid crowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary, giving each piece space to brown nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe is a dazzling mix of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s easy to prepare, packed with personality, and perfect for any night you want to impress without stress. Don’t wait to give it a try — I promise it will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Print
Spicy Shrimp with Stir-Fried Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring spicy, marinated shrimp served over crisp-tender stir-fried green beans, enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame. Perfect for a quick, protein-packed meal that’s bursting with bold, savory heat.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Stir-Fried Green Beans
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This marinates the shrimp, infusing them with a spicy and smoky flavor.
- Marinate: Let the shrimp sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors fully, allowing the seasoning to penetrate.
- Stir-Fry the Green Beans: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying the vegetables.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil, stir-frying for about 1 minute until fragrant, which enhances the dish’s flavor base.
- Cook Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they become crisp-tender but still retain a slight crunch.
- Season Green Beans: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing the green beans to coat evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the green beans from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, place the marinated shrimp and cook over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are fully cooked but tender.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the spicy shrimp over the bed of stir-fried green beans for a visually appealing and balanced meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired to add a nutty crunch and an attractive finish. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture; blanch them slightly if you prefer softer beans before stir-frying.
- For a nut-free option, omit the sesame seeds and sesame oil.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
