Korean InspiredMedium · Hot
A weeknight-friendly Korean-inspired stir-fry with plump shrimp, crisp green beans, and a savory-sweet sesame sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes.
15 min
12 min
27 min
Method
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
Trim the ends from green beans and cut into 2-inch pieces.
Cut the lemon in half.
Heat a large wok or frying pan over high heat until smoking. Add sunflower oil and swirl to coat.
Add green beans and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until charred in spots and tender-crisp. Season lightly with salt.
Push green beans to the edges of the wok. Add sesame oil to the center, then add shrimp in a single layer.
Cook shrimp undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until pink on the bottom, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque.
Pour the sauce over everything. Toss and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce is glossy and coats the shrimp and beans.
Transfer to a serving platter or divide among bowls.
Garnish with sliced scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve immediately over steamed white rice.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -5
Calories
295
per serving
Protein
31g
Carbs
17g
Fat
13g
Sat. fat
2g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
611mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
3.2
per serving
Water
21m³
Land
42Pt
Runoff
1.0g P
Shrimp drives 96% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
WokTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Heat wok until smoking point before adding oil and ingredients. Shrimp must reach internal temperature of 145°F for food-safe consumption. Undercooked shellfish poses serious bacterial contamination risk.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw shrimp and ready-to-eat foods. Sesame residue can persist on surfaces and transfer to other dishes. Clean all equipment thoroughly between uses.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers at 40°F or below. Consume within 3 days for best quality. Reheat to 165°F before eating.
Allergen Warning
This dish contains shellfish, sesame, soy, and wheat/gluten. Read all condiment labels carefully as soy sauce brands vary in allergen content. Coconut aminos can substitute for soy-free version.
High Risk Population
Individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid this dish entirely. Shellfish allergens can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis even from vapors during cooking. Young children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk from undercooked shrimp.
Handling
Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve proper searing. Do not let raw shrimp sit at room temperature for more than 30 minutes. Discard any shrimp with shells that have black spots or slimy texture.
Equipment Safety
Use long-handled tongs and spatula when working with superheated wok. Never add cold ingredients to extremely hot oil as this causes violent splattering. Keep lid nearby in case of grease fire.
Shelf Life
Prepared stir-fry maintains quality for 24-48 hours refrigerated. Sesame oil may become rancid if stored improperly - keep in cool dark place. Honey may crystallize over time but remains safe.
Pro Tips
Technique
Get your wok screaming hot before adding anything—once you see that first wisp of smoke, you're ready. The high heat is what gives the green beans their charred edges and the shrimp their perfect sear. If the pan isn't hot enough, everything steams and you lose that texture.
Substitution
No gochugaru on hand? Cayenne works fine here, but if you want to stay closer to my Korean kitchen, keep gochugaru stocked—it's milder and fruitier than cayenne, and it blooms beautifully in sesame oil. Toast it briefly in the pan before adding the shrimp for extra depth.
Time Saver
While the sauce comes together in one bowl, you can prep the shrimp and beans in the time it takes your rice cooker to do its job. Everything moves fast once you hit that wok, so mise en place is your friend.
From the chef
This stir-fry is my kind of weeknight magic—when I need something that tastes like I slaved over it but actually comes together in minutes. The shrimp get that beautiful char from the smoking hot wok, while the green beans keep their snap, and the sesame-soy sauce ties everything together with that spicy-sweet punch I always crave. It's not traditional banchan, but it's inspired by the same principle: bold flavors, quick prep, and food that brings people to the table.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026