Name: Hoisin Beef Shrimp: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste); 1/4 cup water; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup snow peas; 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish; Cooked rice, for serving; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Hoisin Beef Shrimp, a symphony of savory and sweet, is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine succulent shrimp and tender beef, glazed in a rich, umami-packed sauce that dances on your palate. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a culinary adventure that's surprisingly simple to recreate in your own kitchen.

While the exact origins of combining beef and shrimp with hoisin sauce are somewhat modern, the inspiration draws heavily from Cantonese cuisine. Hoisin sauce itself, with its complex blend of fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and spices, has been a staple in Chinese cooking for centuries. It lends a depth of flavor that elevates even the simplest dishes, and in this Hoisin Beef Shrimp recipe, it truly shines.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures – the satisfying chew of the beef, the delicate snap of the shrimp, all coated in that luscious, slightly sticky sauce. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. People adore this dish because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag or the hours spent slaving away in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet elegant creation!

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
1/4 cup water

For the Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snow peas
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish

For Serving:

Cooked rice, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Beef

Okay, let's start with the beef. This is where we build the foundation of our flavor. Thinly slicing the flank steak is crucial for tenderness and quick cooking. Trust me, you don't want to skip this step!

In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Mix everything together really well, making sure the beef is evenly coated. The cornstarch will help tenderize the beef and create a nice sear when we cook it.
Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even better, for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Preparing the Shrimp

Now, let's move on to the shrimp. We want to give them a quick marinade to enhance their flavor and keep them nice and juicy.

In a separate bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil.
Mix well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Making the Hoisin Sauce

The sauce is the star of the show! This is where all the delicious flavors come together. Don't be afraid to adjust the sriracha to your liking – I like mine with a little kick!

In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, sriracha (to taste), and 1/4 cup of water.
Whisk until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

Cooking the Vegetables

Next up, the veggies! We want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy. So, we'll cook them quickly over high heat.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Add the broccoli florets and snow peas. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.

Cooking the Beef and Shrimp

Now for the main event! We'll cook the beef and shrimp separately to ensure they're perfectly cooked.

Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok over high heat.
Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, or until it's browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
Add the marinated shrimp to the wok in a single layer.
Stir-fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.

Bringing It All Together

Almost there! Now we'll combine everything and let the flavors meld together.

Return the cooked vegetables, beef, and shrimp to the wok.
Pour the hoisin sauce over the mixture.
Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and everything is evenly coated.

Serving

Time to enjoy the fruits of our labor! This dish is best served hot over a bed of fluffy rice.

Serve the Hoisin Beef and Shrimp over cooked rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).
Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Hoisin Beef Shrimp recipe isn't just another dish; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! The sweet and savory hoisin glaze perfectly complements the tender beef and succulent shrimp, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Trust me, the combination is unexpectedly delightful and incredibly satisfying. It's a dish that's both impressive enough for a special occasion and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Why is this a must-try? Because it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The hoisin sauce, with its unique blend of sweet, salty, and umami notes, elevates simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. It's also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Plus, it's a relatively quick recipe, meaning you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. What's not to love?

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this delicious Hoisin Beef Shrimp. For a complete meal, I love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a pure delight. Alternatively, you could serve it with noodles – think lo mein or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option. If you're looking for a lighter option, try serving it with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp Asian slaw. The freshness of the vegetables will balance out the richness of the sauce. And don't be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the stir-fry. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice for a bit of tang. For a spicier kick, consider adding a finely chopped chili pepper or a generous pinch of chili flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a touch of honey or brown sugar. Another great variation is to use different types of protein. Chicken or pork would work beautifully in place of the beef. You could even make it a vegetarian dish by using tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Ready to Cook?

I truly believe this Hoisin Beef Shrimp recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It's a dish that's both satisfying and exciting, and it's sure to impress your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I'm confident that you'll love the results. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments with me – I can't wait to see what you create! Let me know how your Hoisin Beef Shrimp turned out and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking!