This Shrimp Stir Fry recipe is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish that fuses succulent shrimp with a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. Bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party. The combination of fresh ingredients and a simple cooking technique makes it a go-to favorite in any home kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this shrimp stir fry recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The dish is packed with fresh vegetables that add crunch and nutrition, while the shrimp provide a delightful sweetness and protein boost. It’s a one-pan meal that cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows it to fit various dietary lifestyles, whether you’re looking for something gluten-free, low-carb, or high-protein.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Ingredients First: Before you start cooking, chop all your vegetables and measure out your sauces. Stir fry cooking happens quickly, and you don’t want to be scrambling for ingredients mid-cook.
- High Heat is Key: Use high heat to get that signature stir fry char and to cook the shrimp quickly without making them rubbery.
- Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir frying, but a large skillet works just as well. The important part is having enough space to toss the ingredients without spilling.
- Marinate the Shrimp: For even more flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to prepare your ingredients beforehand can lead to burnt food. Have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
- Crowding the Pan: If you add too many ingredients at once, the temperature will drop, leading to steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep several components of this shrimp stir fry in advance. Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the shrimp ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The sauce can be mixed and stored for up to a week, ensuring that dinner comes together quickly.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand—broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini all work great.
- Shrimp Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, tofu, or even tempeh for a different protein option.
- Sauce Variation: Change up the sauce by adding a splash of sesame oil or a spoonful of Sriracha for some heat.
How to Serve
Serve your shrimp stir fry over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime for an added zest. For a colorful presentation, serve on a large white plate or in a bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables and shrimp to pop.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your shrimp stir fry with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced green tea. For sides, consider serving with vegetable spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad. For dessert, a light sorbet or fresh fruit can serve as a perfect finish to the meal.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Equipment Needed
- A wok or large skillet for stir frying
- A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
- Measuring spoons and cups for accurate sauce preparation
Dietary Adaptations
To make this shrimp stir fry vegan, substitute shrimp with cubed tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based sauce. For a nut-free version, ensure your sauces do not contain any nut-based ingredients. If gluten-free is your goal, opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring and summer, use fresh, crisp vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or bell peppers. During fall and winter, consider heartier vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bok choy, which hold up well to stir frying.
Cost Breakdown
On average, this shrimp stir fry recipe costs about $10-15 to make, serving 2-4 people depending on portion sizes. To save some money, consider using frozen shrimp or buying vegetables that are in season or on sale.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, quickly peel them under running cold water to save time.
- Slice Onions with Ease: To avoid tears while slicing onions, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Quick Garlic Mince: Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife to peel them easily and then mince.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What can I substitute for soy sauce? Use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative, or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- How long does it take to cook shrimp? Shrimp typically cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
How To Make shrimp stir fry recipe
Shrimp Stir Fry
This Shrimp Stir Fry recipe is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish that fuses succulent shrimp with a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Start by prepping all your ingredients: peel and devein the shrimp, chop the vegetables, and mince the garlic and ginger.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch if using. Set aside.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, pour the sauce over the mixture, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles, garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 373Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 239mgSodium 1829mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 32g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This shrimp stir fry recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and colors that come together in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its ease and deliciousness. Give it a try, and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that can be customized to your tastes. Happy cooking!
