Experience the vibrant flavors of Bangladesh with this Spiced Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry, a dish that perfectly balances aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. This recipe offers a delightful combination of succulent shrimp and crisp green beans, sautéed in mustard oil and enlivened with chiles and lemon, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Easy to prepare yet richly flavored, this stir-fry brings the taste of authentic Bangladeshi cuisine straight to your table. The mustard oil provides a distinctive pungency that enhances the dish, while fresh cilantro and lemon juice add bright, refreshing notes.
- Quick to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Aromatic spices and mustard oil provide authentic Bangladeshi flavor.
- High in protein and packed with fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Versatile with easy substitutions for ingredients.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (1 pound): Fresh, peeled shrimp that provide a protein-packed foundation for this flavorful dish with a delicate seafood sweetness.
- Green beans (1 pound): Crisp and fresh, adding satisfying texture and vibrant color; snap peas or asparagus can work as alternatives.
- Mustard oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for authentic Bangladeshi taste with a distinctive pungent aroma; substitute vegetable oil for milder flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and enhances the savory profile.
- Fresh cilantro (1 handful): Provides a burst of greenery and freshness as a garnish that brightens the final dish.
- Green chiles (2 pieces): Adds an exciting kick of heat; swap with bell pepper if you prefer a milder taste.
- Lemon lebu (1 piece): A local citrus that brightens and balances the flavors with its tangy juice; any citrus juice can substitute.
Instructions
- Heat Mustard Oil
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Warm 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Heating the oil properly releases its signature aroma and prepares the pan for sautéing ingredients evenly.
- Sauté Garlic
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Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until golden and fragrant. This step infuses the oil with garlic flavor, building a savory base for the stir-fry.
- Cook Green Beans
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Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while retaining a crisp texture. Stirring keeps them evenly cooked and vibrant in color.
- Add Shrimp and Cook
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Introduce the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 5 minutes. Proper cooking ensures the shrimp are tender and flavorful without becoming rubbery.
- Finish with Cilantro and Lemon
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Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle a handful of fresh cilantro over the stir-fry, and squeeze the lemon juice on top. These fresh elements bring brightness and balance to the rich, spiced ingredients.
- Mustard oil is critical for authentic flavor but can be strong; use vegetable oil if you prefer a subtler taste.
- Adjust green chiles according to your heat preference or remove seeds to reduce spice.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to maintain their juicy texture.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp and retain the crispness of the green beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over steamed basmati rice or with warm flatbreads for a complete meal. A side of cooling cucumber raita complements the spiced flavors beautifully.
- Use fresh, deveined shrimp for best texture and taste.
- Mustard oil can be heated until it smokes briefly to mellow its pungency before cooking.
- Adding the lemon juice off-heat preserves its bright, fresh flavor without cooking it away.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
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Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess water in the dish.
- Is mustard oil necessary?
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Mustard oil gives authentic flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil for a milder taste.
- What if I don’t have green beans?
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Snap peas or asparagus can be excellent substitutes providing similar crunch and freshness.
- How spicy is the dish?
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The green chiles add moderate heat which you can adjust or omit for a milder dish.
- Can this recipe be made ahead?
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Yes, but best served freshly cooked as shrimp texture and green beans may change after refrigeration.
- What can I serve with this stir-fry?
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It pairs well with steamed rice, flatbreads, or a light cucumber salad to balance the spice.
Bangladeshi Spiced Shrimp Stir-Fry
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp fresh or thawed
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 handful fresh cilantro
- 2 green chiles
- 1 lemon lebu, juice squeezed
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.
- Add the green beans and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the fresh cilantro and squeeze lemon juice over the dish.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp with firm white fish for variation.
- Use vegetable oil instead of mustard oil for a milder flavor.
- Replace green beans with snap peas or asparagus as desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days.
