Get ready to fall in love with the delightful fusion of flavors in this Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp recipe! It’s a quick and easy dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the earthiness of turmeric, and the heat of black pepper, all balanced with crisp-tender green beans and served over fluffy white rice. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner winner or a treat for a special occasion, this recipe is a true culinary delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of honey, turmeric, and black pepper creates a memorable taste experience.
- Versatile: It pairs well with various sides and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is all about simplicity and flavor, with essential ingredients playing vital roles. Each one adds a unique taste, texture, or color, making the dish as vibrant as it is delicious.
- Peeled and deveined shrimp: Fresh shrimp ensures the sweetest, juiciest bite every time.
- Turmeric: This spice gives the dish its rich, golden hue and earthy flavor.
- Black pepper: Coarsely ground black pepper adds a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: It provides a natural sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: This adds a slight tang that really elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Haricots verts: These tender green beans add color and a satisfying crunch.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp suit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s the perfect recipe to customize!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who like a little extra heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace shrimp with tofu for a plant-based alternative that’s just as delicious.
How to Make Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Coat the Shrimp
Remove and discard the tails from your shrimp, then pat them dry. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, turmeric, black pepper, and some salt. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until they’re evenly coated, promising that delightful crispy texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a smaller bowl, whisk together honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a splash of water. This sweet and tangy sauce will beautifully glaze the shrimp and green beans, bringing layers of flavor to your dish.
Step 3: Cook and Combine
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, cooking undisturbed for a couple of minutes to achieve that perfect sear. Add the green beans, season with the remaining salt, and cook until tender. Finally, pour in the honey mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens and glazes everything beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp
- Crispy Edges: To reach the perfect crispy texture, make sure the shrimp are dry before coating them in the cornstarch mixture.
- Even Cooking: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the skillet so they don’t steam and become soggy.
- Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey and vinegar to suit your taste preferences for a perfectly balanced glaze.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp and green beans for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions over the cooked shrimp and green beans for a touch of freshness. A bit of extra cracked black pepper on top enhances the spicy kick, making each bite flavorful and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious honey and turmeric sauce perfectly. For added texture, consider serving alongside a crunchy slaw or a fresh cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more restaurant-style presentation, use a ring mold to pack the rice neatly on the plate and arrange the shrimp around it. Add delicate greens or edible flowers for a burst of color and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld over time, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before coating in the cornstarch mixture for the best results.
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Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in its place, although the flavor may slightly differ.
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What is the best way to clean shrimp?
To clean shrimp, peel them, remove the tail if necessary, and use a small knife to devein by making a shallow cut along the back.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them in the pan just before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, offering an exciting twist on a classic seafood dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how effortlessly delicious and satisfying it is. Serve it up for dinner, and watch it become a new family favorite!
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Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Honey Turmeric-Black Pepper Shrimp offers a deliciously savory and slightly spicy flavor profile, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of honey and the freshness of green beans. Quick to prepare, it makes for a healthy, vibrant meal packed with anti-inflammatory turmeric and protein-rich shrimp, served beautifully over rice with a sprinkle of scallions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 lb. peeled and deveined raw medium shrimp
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 tsp. soy sauce or tamari
- 2 Tbsp. neutral cooking oil (such as grapeseed or canola)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 8 oz. haricots verts (French green beans), sliced at a diagonal into thirds
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Thinly sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Remove the tails from the shrimp, discard, and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they are free of excess moisture.
- Coat the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, turmeric, black pepper, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Mix well, then add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp. water until smooth. Set this aside for later.
- Cook the Shrimp and Green Beans: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring, until the underside is crispy. Toss the shrimp to turn them over, then add the sliced green beans. Season with the remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the beans are crisp-tender and the shrimp are cooked through.
- Add the Honey Mixture: Pour the honey sauce over the shrimp and green beans. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the ingredients with a glossy glaze.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp and green beans over cooked white rice, garnish with sliced scallions and extra black pepper if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are thoroughly dried before coating to achieve a crispy exterior.
- You can substitute green beans with snap peas or asparagus for variation.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the honey mixture.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
