How to Make Chinese Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce
Chinese shrimp with black bean sauce is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of fermented black beans with fresh shrimp, making it a favorite in many households. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it's also packed with umami flavor and can be served over rice or noodles. Follow the detailed steps below to learn how to make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a better texture when cooked. Ensure they are cleaned and deveined.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger
In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still maintain a bit of crunch.
4. Add the Shrimp
Introduce the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This indicates that they are cooked through.
5. Incorporate Black Beans and Sauces
Once the shrimp are cooked, add the chopped fermented black beans, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors, allowing the sauce to coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce
To give the dish a luscious texture, add the cornstarch mixed with water into the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that restaurant-quality sauce consistency.
7. Season and Serve
Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as necessary. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from the heat. Serve your Chinese shrimp with black bean sauce over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Chinese Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp with a little soy sauce and sesame oil for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Vegetable flexibility: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish.
- Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of chili flakes or sliced fresh chili if you prefer heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Chinese shrimp with black bean sauce is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma. Enjoy your homemade dish, and don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables to make it truly yours!