Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce
Tender shrimp stir-fried with fermented black beans and garlic in a savory, aromatic Cantonese-style sauce. This chinese-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fermented black beans, garlic cloves, minced 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 220 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp fermented black beans
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 scallions scallions, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and lightly pat dry 12 oz large shrimp. Toss with 1 tsp cornstarch and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tbsp fermented black beans and 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they begin to turn pink.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish and toss with 2 sliced scallions. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Black Bean and Garlic 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.
