Sizzling Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe: Your Go-To Weeknight Wonder

Whipping up a quick and delectable shrimp stir fry recipe can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Fragrant ginger and garlic dance through hot wok flames, creating an irresistible aroma.

Succulent seafood sizzles alongside crisp vegetables, promising a meal packed with vibrant flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables.

Colorful bell peppers and green onions add visual appeal and nutritional punch to this easy dish.

Your kitchen will feel like a professional restaurant with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Let this simple yet sophisticated stir fry become your new go-to meal that impresses everyone at the table.

What Makes Shrimp Stir Fry Quick and Tasty

• Boost Kitchen Confidence: Perfect for beginners with simple steps and minimal cooking techniques that guarantee success every single time.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and colorful vegetables, delivering a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Ready in less than 20 minutes, this stir fry rescues busy families from takeout temptation with its speedy preparation and minimal cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Shrimp Stir Fry

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein for this quick stir fry dish.

• Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Carrots: Colorful mix of vegetables that add crunch, nutrition, and vibrant flavors to the stir fry.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste and provides a robust flavor foundation.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished dish.

• Soy Sauce: Savory liquid that provides depth and umami flavor to the stir fry.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and glossy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for sautéing shrimp and vegetables.
• Sesame Oil: Finishing oil that adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.

How to Make Shrimp Stir Fry

Step 1: Chop and Prep Colorful Ingredients

Get your cutting board ready and slice up your fresh vegetables. You’ll want to chop bell peppers into vibrant strips, break down broccoli into bite-sized florets, and slice carrots into thin diagonal pieces.

Mince the garlic into tiny fragrant bits to release maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle Shrimp to Perfection

Heat a large skillet with olive oil until it’s shimmering hot.

Toss in your succulent shrimp and cook them quickly, stirring constantly. Watch for the magical moment when they turn from translucent to a beautiful pink color.

This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and let it dance with the shrimp for an extra 30 seconds.

Step 3: Toss In Vibrant Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Carrots

Stir-fry everything together, letting the vegetables maintain their crisp texture. You want them tender but still with a delightful crunch, which takes around 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce Magic

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch

Pour this luxurious sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Let everything simmer and mingle for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating.

Step 5: Finish With Aromatic Touches

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for an incredible nutty flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and zesty finish.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Plate your shrimp stir-fry over steaming rice or twirly noodles. Grab your chopsticks and dive into this quick, delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Tips for Shrimp Stir Fry Success

• Chop all vegetables and mince garlic beforehand to ensure quick and smooth cooking without interruptions.
• Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture, which happens with overcooking.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors, avoiding mushy results.
• Whisk cornstarch with soy sauce thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and fresh green onions to elevate the dish's aroma and taste instantly.

Variations for Shrimp Stir Fry

• Spicy Asian Kick: Replace soy sauce with sriracha and chili garlic sauce for a fiery version of the stir fry.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shrimp with extra-firm tofu cubes or tempeh for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
• Mediterranean Style: Use oregano, lemon juice, and swap soy sauce for white wine to create a Greek-inspired seafood stir fry.

Best Pairings for Shrimp Stir Fry

Pair this vibrant shrimp stir fry with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, its zesty citrus notes complementing the dish’s fresh vegetables and seafood perfectly.

Serve alongside jasmine rice or thin rice noodles, allowing the sauce to coat each grain and provide a smooth, satisfying base for the stir fry.

Sprinkle chopped cilantro or Thai basil on top, introducing a bright, aromatic element that elevates the overall taste profile and adds visual appeal.

Offer a small side of pickled ginger or quick cucumber kimchi, which will provide a tangy, fermented counterpoint to the rich, savory shrimp and vegetable mixture.

Storage Tips for Shrimp Stir Fry

• Store leftover shrimp stir fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with raw vegetables for best texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Place in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Prevent overcooking to maintain shrimp's tender texture.

FAQs

• How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

The shrimp is ready when it turns pink and opaque, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess water in the pan.

• What if I don't have cornstarch for the sauce?

You can substitute with all-purpose flour, though cornstarch provides a smoother, glossier sauce texture. Use half the amount of flour compared to cornstarch.

• Is this stir fry recipe spicy?

The basic recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to increase heat according to your preference.

Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe For Meals

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Shrimp Stir Fry brings Asian-inspired flavors to weeknight dinners with bold, quick-cooking magic. Crisp vegetables and succulent shrimp dance together in a perfect harmony of taste, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Serving Option:

• 2 cups rice or noodles

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by finely chopping colorful bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Mince fresh garlic cloves for intense flavor.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and slightly rippling.
3. Quickly sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and become translucent.
4. Immediately introduce minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release aromatic notes.
5. Toss in prepared vegetables, continuously moving them around the pan to ensure even cooking and maintain crisp texture.
6. Create a quick sauce by whisking soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth and free of lumps.
7. Pour sauce over shrimp and vegetables, allowing mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until liquid transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened coating.
8. Finish by drizzling sesame oil for rich depth and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions as a bright, zesty garnish.
9. Serve immediately over steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete, vibrant meal.

Notes

• Quickly prep ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, efficient cooking and prevent burning or overcooking.
• Use high heat and keep ingredients moving constantly to achieve that perfect restaurant-style stir-fry with crisp vegetables and tender shrimp.
• Swap proteins easily by replacing shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef to accommodate different dietary preferences or pantry availability.
• Select fresh, firm shrimp and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and guarantee a delightful golden-brown exterior during stir-frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg