Shrimp and Green Beans : Juicy shrimp, perfectly seared and seasoned, pair beautifully with tender-crisp green beans for a dish that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful. A hint of garlic and a splash of soy sauce bring everything together, creating a quick stir-fry that feels like a gourmet treat.
Why Shrimp and Green Beans?
The combination of shrimp and green beans is not only flavorful but also a great way to get your daily dose of protein and vegetables in one meal. Shrimp is rich in protein and low in calories, making it ideal for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Cooking Tips and Tricks:
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
Blanch the green beans: This helps maintain their vibrant color and ensures they are tender but still crisp.
Fresh vs. frozen shrimp: Both work well, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Simply run them under cold water for a few minutes to thaw quickly.
Add a crunch: For extra texture, toss in some toasted almonds, cashews, or peanuts toward the end of cooking.
Variations of Shrimp and Green Beans
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some popular variations:
Shrimp and Green Beans in Coconut Milk: For a creamy twist, cook the shrimp and green beans in coconut milk and Thai curry paste. This variation adds richness and warmth, making it perfect for colder days.
Spicy Shrimp and Green Beans: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This variation pairs well with the natural sweetness of shrimp.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Green Beans: Swap out the soy sauce and sesame oil for garlic and butter. This version is more indulgent but packed with savory, buttery goodness.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of hoisin sauce or a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory combination. A touch of sesame seeds or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Low-Carb Shrimp and Green Beans: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low in carbs but high in flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp and Green Beans
With Rice: The classic way to serve this stir-fry is over steamed white or brown rice. Jasmine or basmati rice would complement the dish’s flavors beautifully.
Over Noodles: If you’re craving noodles, try serving the shrimp and green beans over soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a unique twist.
Low-Carb Option: For those on keto or low-carb diets, cauliflower rice, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or shirataki noodles make a great base.
As a Salad Topper: For a lighter option, toss the shrimp and green beans over a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Drizzle with some lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing, healthy meal.
How to Store Shrimp and Green Beans
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
In the Freezer: You can freeze shrimp and green beans, but the texture of the green beans may soften. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan until heated through.
In the Refrigerator: Store the cooked shrimp and green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently in a pan to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! If you’re short on time, frozen green beans work just as well. Just skip the blanching step and stir-fry them straight from frozen. They might release some water, so cook them a bit longer to evaporate the moisture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge. However, to avoid soggy shrimp, I recommend reheating on the stovetop rather than the microwave.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. This dish is versatile and adapts well to different veggies.
Can I make this dish without soy sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative. Both options work perfectly for those with dietary restrictions.
Shrimp and Green Beans
Shrimp and Green Beans : Juicy shrimp, perfectly seared and seasoned, pair beautifully with tender-crisp green beans for a dish that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful. A hint of garlic and a splash of soy sauce bring everything together, creating a quick stir-fry that feels like a gourmet treat.
Ingredients
- 8-10 oz fresh raw shrimp (thaw if frozen)
- 8 oz green beans
- 1-2 tsp light sesame oil or avocado oil
- 1-2 TBSP chopped green onion for garnish
Spicy Sriracha Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 TBSP low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free or regular)
- 3 TBSP sweet chili sauce
- 2 TBSP Sriracha (plus extra to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled, and minced
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (plus extra to taste)
Instructions
- Clean and peel the shrimp, defrosting if necessary.
For convenience, frozen, deveined, easy-peel shrimp work great. - Simply defrost them, peel, and set them aside for cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients
soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside. - Fill a large pan or high-sided skillet with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch for 3 minutes. This quick boil helps the green beans become tender faster during stir-frying.
- After blanching, drain and rinse the green beans under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In the same pan, heat 1-2 teaspoons of light sesame oil or avocado oil over medium-high heat.
- Return the green beans to the pan and stir-fry them for 1-2 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
- Add the shrimp and the pre-made stir fry sauce to the pan with the green beans.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the shrimp and beans evenly.
- Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on their size. Look for the shrimp to turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape, which indicates they’re fully cooked.
- Once the shrimp are fully cooked and the green beans are tender, remove the dish from heat.
- Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. If you like extra heat, sprinkle on some more crushed red pepper flakes or an extra drizzle of Sriracha.
- This spicy shrimp and green bean stir fry pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or quinoa. It’s also delicious on its own for a low-carb meal!
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1052Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 1428mgSodium 7604mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 5gSugar 20gProtein 160g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Shrimp and green beans is a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe has you covered. With its blend of fresh, vibrant vegetables and tender shrimp, it’s a surefire way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal. Plus, with endless variations and easy storage options, it’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
