Name: Hunan Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lbs shrimp; 1 Tbsp cornstarch; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 orange bell pepper, chopped; 5-6 green onions or scallions, chopped (separate green and white parts); 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 Tbsp ginger, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 3 Tbsp oil; 5 tsp sambal oelek chili paste; 2 Tbsp oyster sauce; 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp rice or white vinegar; 2 Tbsp rice wine; 3 Tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tsp sugar

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If you are craving a dish bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a perfect balance of heat, then you are in for a treat with this Hunan Shrimp Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy tender, juicy shrimp coated in a deliciously tangy and spicy sauce, accompanied by crunchy fresh vegetables. This dish not only delivers authentic Chinese flavors at home but also comes together quickly, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a special dinner with friends. Trust me, once you make this Hunan Shrimp Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish shows a close-up of cooked shrimp with colorful chopped bell peppers and green beans in a shiny metal pan. There are about 12 shrimp, pinkish-orange with some white parts, placed on top and mixed evenly with the chopped vegetables. The vegetables include bright red, yellow, and green bell pepper pieces, along with green beans cut into small sections. The sauce underneath is a glossy brown, slightly thick, coating the shrimp and vegetables. A metal spoon appears on the bottom left side, partly dipped in the sauce. The texture is moist and fresh with a mix of smooth, firm shrimp and crisp vegetables on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Although this Hunan Shrimp Recipe looks impressive, the ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s bringing fragrance, texture, or that signature spicy sauce punch.

Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best tender bite and fast cooking time.
Cornstarch: Helps give the shrimp a light, velvety coating that locks in moisture.
Green beans: Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color to the stir fry.
Bell peppers (green, red, yellow, orange): A mix for sweetness, color contrast, and freshness.
Green onions (scallions): The white parts sauté into the sauce; the green parts garnish for flair and mild onion flavor.
Garlic and ginger: The dynamic duo that creates the irresistible aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of shrimp and veggies.
Oil: For stir-frying; helps achieve that perfect sear and texture.
Sambal oelek chili paste: Adds the perfect spicy kick essential in authentic Hunan cuisine.
Oyster sauce: Deepens the savory umami character of the dish.
Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and rounds out the flavor profile.
Rice or white vinegar: Brightens the dish with a mild tanginess.
Rice wine: Adds complexity and a slight sweetness.
Tomato ketchup: A surprising ingredient that adds a hint of sweetness and thickens the sauce.
Sugar: Balances the heat and acidity for a perfect glaze on the shrimp.

How to Make Hunan Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate Your Shrimp

Start by cleaning your shrimp, leaving the tails on if you prefer a nice presentation. Lightly marinate them with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. This simple step ensures your shrimp achieve tender juiciness and a slight coating that helps them crisp up quickly when cooked without losing moisture.

Step 2: Mix the Hunan Sauce

In a bowl, combine sambal oelek chili paste, oyster sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, rice wine, tomato ketchup, and sugar. This lively combination creates the hallmark tangy and spicy sauce, balancing heat with a touch of sweetness that will give your shrimp an unforgettable glaze.

Step 3: Chop Your Vegetables

Dice the bell peppers, chop the green beans into bite-sized pieces, and separate the green and white parts of the scallions. Keeping these elements prepped and ready ensures swift cooking and preserves the freshness and crunchiness of the vegetables.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a wok or large skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear them just until they curl up and turn pink, about a couple of minutes. Be careful not to overcook because they’ll continue to cook later in the sauce. Set them aside to keep the texture perfect.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the remaining oil to the wok and turn the heat to high. Toss in the green beans first and stir for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the colorful bell peppers, white parts of the scallions, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry this fragrant mix for 4 to 5 minutes to develop layers of flavor and preserve the vegetables’ vibrancy.

Step 6: Combine Sauce and Shrimp

Pour your prepared Hunan sauce into the wok and add a splash (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) of water to create a light glaze. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir everything together over high heat for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully while coating your shrimp and veggies in that irresistible sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling the green parts of the scallions over the dish for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve your Hunan Shrimp Recipe piping hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up every bit of the tasty sauce.

How to Serve Hunan Shrimp Recipe

A white bowl with a thin black rim holds a dish with three layers. The bottom layer is fluffy white rice with distinct grains. On top of the rice, a colorful mix of vegetables is spread, including bright orange and red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, green beans, and green onion pieces. The top layer features cooked shrimp with an orange-pink color, slightly shiny from sauce, arranged evenly on the vegetables. Two light wooden chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Green scallion tops make an excellent garnish, adding a pop of color and subtle onion flavor. For a little extra zing, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro. They enhance both the presentation and the dish’s overall aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside stir-fried bok choy, garlic sautéed spinach, or even a light cucumber salad to add refreshing crunch and contrast to the spicy shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try serving your Hunan Shrimp over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You can also present it as a vibrant topping for noodles or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture and nutty flavor. These ideas make your meal feel fresh and exciting every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hunan Shrimp should be packed into an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible to maintain the shrimp’s tender texture and crisp vegetables.

Freezing

Since shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated, freezing this dish is not ideal. However, if you must freeze it, do so immediately after cooking and place the Hunan Shrimp Recipe in a freezer-safe airtight container. Use within one month, and be mindful that the texture might change.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can cook the shrimp unevenly and toughen them. Stir often until warmed through for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hunan Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before marinating and cooking. This helps achieve that perfect sear and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is medium and can be tailored to your taste by adjusting the amount of sambal oelek chili paste. The sugar and ketchup also balance the spiciness, making it more approachable for those who prefer milder flavors.

What if I don’t have all the different colors of bell peppers?

No worries! You can use whichever bell peppers you have on hand. Just mix in one or two colors—it will still taste fantastic and look inviting.

Is cornstarch necessary in the shrimp marinade?

Cornstarch helps create a delicate coating that seals in the shrimp’s moisture and gives a slight silkiness to the dish. While not mandatory, it makes a noticeable difference in texture.

Can I make a saucier version of this Hunan Shrimp Recipe?

Yes! Simply add more water or broth along with the sauce in the final cooking step to create a generous amount of sauce. This is great if you like dipping your rice or noodles into extra sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that thrills your taste buds with spice, sweetness, and fresh veggies, this Hunan Shrimp Recipe is just what you need. Its quick preparation, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation make it a reliable favorite that can impress family and friends alike. So go ahead and dive into this recipe—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is.