Shrimp Stir-Fry with Homemade Black Bean Sauce

Ingredients

• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
• Bell peppers (2, sliced)
• Onion (1 large, sliced)
• Green onions (2, chopped for garnish)
• Water (1/4 cup)
• Black bean sauce (1/4 cup)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the black bean sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This is your homemade black bean sauce.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the black bean sauce mixture and the water. Stir well to coat the shrimp and vegetables in the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve the shrimp stir-fry over steamed rice, garnished with green onions. Enjoy your journey through the flavors of Cantonese cuisine!