Thai Green Bean Salad with Shrimp

I love Thai food. I love the spice, the tang, the fresh flavors. This recipe is inspired by one of my favorite Thai dishes, Papaya Salad.

 

5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons soy sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, minced (with seeds)
2 cups green beans
10 large cherry tomatoes
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 green onions, very thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, minced 
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped salted peanuts
1 lb. Gulf Shrimp (bigger and saltier-- worth the extra $3 bucks)
Olive Oil
Pepper

Mix the first four ingredients together and set aside (This is the dressing).
Boil the green beans in salted water until lightly cooked, approx. 5 minutes.
Drain the green beans and add the jalapenos, tomatoes, cilantro, green onions and red onion. Mix and set aside.
Heat olive oil with garlic and add shrimp. Season with pepper and spritz of lemon juice. Cook until pink.
Add shrimp to green bean mixture. Top with dressing and peanuts. Stir and serve.

I made wild rice with shredded coconut to serve on the side.

WARNING: super spicy and awesome.
-e