Looking for an easy shrimp recipe that will impress your guests? This shrimp in black bean sauce recipe is simple to make and delicious! The shrimp are cooked in a savory black bean sauce, making them perfect as a main course or as an appetizer. When served as a main course, pair it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
What is black bean sauce and why is it a great ingredient for shrimp dishes?
Black bean sauce is a common ingredient in Chinese and other Asian cuisines. It is made from fermented black soybeans, which give the sauce its characteristic deep, dark color. The beans are ground into a paste and then mixed with water, salt, sugar, and sometimes garlic or other aromatics.
Black bean sauce has a strong, salty flavor that is offset by the sweetness of the shrimp. The sauce also has a slightly sticky texture, which helps to coat the shrimp and keep them moist.
Finding fermented black soybeans can be difficult if you don’t have access to Asian grocery stores. Even looking online, there are some merchants selling them but all had exuberantly high shipping costs for my area. For that reason, I chose to use a product called, ‘Black Bean Sauce with Garlic’ which is readily available in most larger grocery store chains. It’s a prepared jarred sauce that you can use in any dish.
This shrimp in black bean sauce recipe is easy to make and can be on the table in just 20 minutes. Ingredients you will need include: Shrimp, red and green peppers, onions, ginger, garlic, and seasonings like soya sauce, black bean garlic sauce, sugar, and sesame seed oil. Like any wok recipe, it helps to have everything prepped and ready before cooking.
The shrimp and vegetables are cooked together, then covered in a delicious black bean sauce to complete the meal.
Step-by-step directions for making shrimp in black bean sauce!
1) First, mix soya sauce, black bean garlic sauce, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Set sauce aside.
2) Heat a wok or skillet on high heat then add oil, garlic, and ginger and fry for a few seconds. Add onion, green pepper, and red pepper, and saute for a minute.
3) Add shrimp and stir-fry for 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4) Add sauce made in step 1 and stir until thickened. Serve and enjoy!
If you are looking for an easy shrimp recipe that is sure to impress, try this shrimp in black bean sauce recipe!
Shrimp in Black Bean Sauce Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes300
kcal20
minutesLooking for an easy shrimp recipe that will impress your guests? This shrimp in black bean sauce recipe is simple to make and delicious! The shrimp are cooked in a savory black bean sauce, making them perfect as a main course or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp. canola oil (or any preferred cooking oil)
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp. ginger, minced
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 red pepper, diced
2 tbsp. soya sauce
2 tbsp. black bean garlic sauce
1 tsp. sugar
sesame oil, a few drops
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup of water
Directions
- First, mix soya sauce, black bean garlic sauce, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Set sauce aside.
- Heat a wok or skillet on high heat then add oil, garlic, and ginger and fry for a few seconds.
- Add onion, green pepper, and red pepper, and saute for a minute.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry for 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add sauce made in step 1 and stir until thickened. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Video
View more cooking videos on our Youtube channel!
Tips for making this dish even better!
If you prefer to use fermented black beans instead of prepared black bean sauce from a jar, simply substitute 2 tbsp. fermented black beans instead of the black bean garlic sauce listed in our recipe.
Black bean sauce is great with almost any protein. You can also substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This dish is best served fresh and hot, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a leftover meal you’ll never forget!
How to serve shrimp in black bean garlic sauce:
- As an appetizer: Serve shrimp in black bean sauce on small plates with toothpicks.
- As the main course: Serve shrimp in black bean sauce over steamed rice or noodles.
- As a side dish: Serve shrimp in black bean sauce alongside your favorite stir-fry or Chinese entree.
Please SHARE this recipe for shrimp in black bean sauce with your friends and family.
Pin it for later!
