Shanghai-Style Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp stir-fried with pungent fermented black beans and fresh vegetables, capturing the bold flavors of Shanghai cuisine. This chinese-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, ginger, julienned into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp julienned ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tbsp chopped fermented black beans and stir for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the shrimp start turning pink.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, 3 scallions cut into 1-inch pieces, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar; stir-fry for 1 minute until vegetables soften slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp evenly; serve hot over steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shanghai-Style Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Shanghai-Style Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shanghai-Style Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Shanghai-Style Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Shanghai-Style Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce?

Chinese seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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