The aroma of sizzling shrimp mingling with fresh vegetables dances through the air, tickling your taste buds before you even take a bite. This Shrimp Stir Fry is a culinary symphony of flavors and textures that promises to leave you craving more.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What vegetables work best in shrimp stir fry?
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine a busy weeknight after a long day, the clock ticking closer to dinnertime. You want something delicious yet quick. With this Shrimp Stir Fry recipe, you can create a meal that’s not just food but an experience worthy of any family gathering or cozy night in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Stir Fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The bright colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing on your dinner table.
- Customize it with your favorite veggies for endless variations.
- Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some healthy greens!
One time, I made this dish for my friends’ game night; they devoured it so fast that I barely got a second helping!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Choose large shrimp for better texture; fresh or frozen both work well but ensure they’re deveined.
- Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers like red and yellow for beautiful presentation and sweetness.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and nutrition; look for firm florets with vibrant green color.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced for quicker cooking; they add sweetness and a delightful crunch.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; use fresh cloves whenever possible.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and zest; peel and mince finely for best flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce gives flavor without overpowering the dish’s natural sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances flavors beautifully; be careful not to overdo it.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce slightly; mix with water before adding it to the pan.
- Brown Sugar: A little sweetness balances out the savory flavors beautifully; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepping your ingredients is essential for smooth cooking. Take about ten minutes to chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This makes everything easier when you start cooking.
Heat Up Your Pan: Set your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding your shrimp.
Add the Shrimp: Toss in your shrimp and cook until pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t be shy; give them space so they sear nicely!
Add Aromatics: Once the shrimp are cooked through, toss in minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then remove them from the pan.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cook until vibrant but still crisp—around 3-5 minutes.
Create Your Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch dissolved in water, brown sugar, and sesame oil together until combined.
Toss Everything Together: Return the shrimp back to the pan along with your sauce mixture. Stir well to coat evenly until everything is heated through—about another minute should do it!
And there you have it! Serve hot over rice or noodles for an incredible meal that’ll impress anyone at your dinner table.
Cooking shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth—it should be fun! Enjoy this lively Shrimp Stir Fry while laughing with friends or enjoying some quiet time alone with a good book.
Content
Fresh shrimp makes all the difference; opt for frozen if fresh isn’t available. I once used pre-cooked shrimp, and let’s just say, it was a chewy disaster that even my dog refused.
Use high heat to achieve that desirable char on veggies. Remember, sizzling sounds mean delicious flavors are developing. The first time I didn’t hear that sizzle, I knew I was in trouble!
Prep everything before you start cooking; this ensures a smooth process. The first time I tried cooking without prepping, I ended up with half-cooked shrimp while the veggies were mushy.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results with shrimp stir fry, begin by heating your pan before adding oil. Sear your shrimp until pink, then remove them before adding veggies to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein. Adding pineapple or cashews can create an unexpected flavor twist that keeps friends guessing what secret ingredient you’ve added.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid rubbery shrimp and soggy veggies.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Cook shrimp quickly at high temperatures to maintain tenderness.
- Always taste as you go for perfect seasoning adjustments.
I remember the first time I served this dish at a dinner party; guests couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary rockstar, and now it’s my go-to recipe for impressing friends.
FAQ
What vegetables work best in shrimp stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots add great color and crunch.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly before cooking for best results.
How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked; avoid overcooking for tenderness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Shrimp Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A delightful blend of succulent shrimp and colorful vegetables tossed in a savory sauce, ready in under 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (deveined)
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 inch ginger (minced)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients by chopping vegetables and mincing garlic and ginger.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil until shimmering.
- Add shrimp to the pan; cook about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and ginger in the same pan until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots; stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until crisp.
- Mix soy sauce, dissolved cornstarch, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Return shrimp to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together until heated through (about 1 minute).
Notes
- Customize your stir fry with other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
- For added crunch, top with cashews or sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg