This easy Shrimp Stir Fry recipe is made with fresh shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce, all ready in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve this delightful dish with fluffy rice, garlic noodles, or even quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. Much like our popular Easy Sesame Chicken or the zesty Orange Chicken, this shrimp stir fry promises incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Few dishes can rival the simplicity and versatility of a stir fry, making it a go-to option for quick and healthy dinners. This recipe brings together succulent fresh shrimp and a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, all coated in a super simple yet incredibly flavorful stir-fry sauce. From start to finish, you can have a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes, with active cooking taking a mere 15!
Stir-frying is not just about speed; it’s about maximizing flavor and nutrition. The high-heat cooking method quickly sears ingredients, locking in their natural juices and maintaining their vibrant texture. This particular recipe highlights the delicate sweetness of shrimp, perfectly complemented by the crunch of fresh vegetables and the aromatic depth of garlic and ginger in the sauce. It’s a dish that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Essential Ingredients for Your Shrimp Stir Fry
Crafting the perfect shrimp stir fry begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that balanced, authentic Asian-inspired flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Medium or jumbo-sized shrimp are ideal. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp offer the best texture and flavor, but quality frozen shrimp (thawed properly) can also work in a pinch.
- Vegetables:
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Orange Bell Pepper: Contributes another layer of sweet flavor and visual appeal.
- Yellow Onion: Forms a fragrant base and adds a subtle sharpness when sautéed.
- Carrots: Provides natural sweetness and a lovely crunch, thinly sliced or julienned.
- Broccoli Florets: A classic stir-fry addition, offering essential nutrients and a tender-crisp texture.
- Stir Fry Sauce: This homemade sauce is the secret to a truly outstanding stir fry. It perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The backbone of savory flavor. Using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: Essential for its distinct nutty aroma, adding depth to the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar): Provides a crucial tangy element, brightening the overall taste.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy notes, adding a touch of sweetness and helping the sauce caramelize slightly.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic offers an indispensable pungent and aromatic foundation.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger provides a warm, spicy, and fragrant kick that defines Asian cuisine.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a glossy, clingy consistency.
- Water or Chicken Stock: Used to thin the sauce to the desired consistency and create volume.
- Seasonings and Oil:
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for the shrimp and to taste.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the shrimp and vegetables. A high-smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil can also be used.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Master Shrimp Stir Fry
Creating this flavorful shrimp stir fry is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. The key is to prepare your ingredients beforehand (mise en place) so that the cooking process flows smoothly and quickly. Follow these simple steps for a perfect stir fry every time:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by ensuring your shrimp are properly cleaned. Remove the shells and devein them if they aren’t already. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing a watery stir fry. Season the dried shrimp generously with salt and black pepper.
- Pre-Cook the Broccoli: To ensure all vegetables cook evenly, steam the broccoli florets briefly. You can do this quickly in a microwave: place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with about ¼ cup of water, cover, and microwave for 2 minutes. Drain any excess water. This partial cooking gives the broccoli that ideal tender-crisp texture in the final dish.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and bright pink. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough, so watch them closely. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, yellow onion, and sliced carrots. Sauté these vegetables over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still retain a slight crunch.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the vegetables are sautéing, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, water (or chicken stock), cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately, thanks to the cornstarch.
- Final Assembly: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, return the cooked shrimp and the steamed broccoli to the pan. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp and broccoli with the delicious sauce. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, just long enough for all the ingredients to be heated through and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve Immediately: Your sensational shrimp stir fry is now ready! Serve it hot, piled high over a bed of freshly cooked rice, your favorite noodles, or a light quinoa. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty homemade meal!
Can I use frozen vegetables to make this stir fry?
Absolutely, using frozen vegetables is a fantastic time-saver and perfectly acceptable for this shrimp stir fry recipe. If you opt for frozen veggies, it’s best to thaw them out first. Frozen vegetables often release more moisture than fresh ones, so simply sautéing them might not achieve the desired texture. Here’s a modified approach:
- Thaw your chosen frozen vegetable mix completely. You can do this by letting them sit at room temperature, using a microwave defrost setting, or rinsing them under cold water.
- Since they’ll be quite moist, direct sautéing might lead to steaming rather than searing. Instead, prepare your stir-fry sauce as directed.
- Once the sauce is simmering in the pan and starting to thicken, add the thawed frozen vegetables directly into the sauce. Cook until they are heated through and tender-crisp, absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
- Finally, add your pre-cooked shrimp and simmer for another 2 minutes until everything is hot and well combined. This method ensures your frozen veggies contribute to the deliciousness without compromising texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this shrimp stir fry is a great candidate for meal prepping! You can certainly make it ahead of time, and it stores wonderfully, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. For optimal freshness and flavor, we recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating to maintain its tender texture.
Customizing Your Shrimp Stir Fry: Other Vegetables & Protein Options
One of the best aspects of stir-frying is its incredible adaptability. While our recipe features a fantastic blend of vegetables, feel free to experiment with others you love or have on hand. Here are some popular additions that work beautifully in this shrimp stir fry:
- Snow Peas: Add a sweet crispness and vibrant green color.
- Water Chestnuts: Offer a unique, refreshing crunch.
- Baby Corn: Provides a slightly sweet flavor and satisfying texture.
- Mushrooms: Sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms add an earthy depth.
- Bok Choy: Its tender leaves and crisp stems are a great addition.
- Snap Peas: Similar to snow peas but with a rounder pod.
- Asparagus: Cut into 1-inch pieces, they add a fresh, green flavor.
- Bell Peppers of other colors: Green or yellow bell peppers work just as well.
Beyond vegetables, you can easily swap or add other proteins. Consider sliced chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure any alternative protein is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
More Delicious Asian-Inspired Dinner Recipes to Try:
If you enjoyed this quick and easy shrimp stir fry, you’ll love exploring other flavorful Asian-inspired dishes. These recipes are perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire and bringing exciting global flavors to your dinner table:
- Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken: A classic takeout favorite made easy at home.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy chicken in a rich, spicy, and sweet sauce.
- Firecracker Chicken: A fiery and addictive dish with a kick.
- Shrimp Tempura: Light and crispy fried shrimp, perfect as an appetizer or main.
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry: Another fantastic one-pan meal with a sweet and savory glaze.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Simple, elegant, and packed with irresistible garlic flavor.
For even more inspiring ideas and a wide array of recipes like this one, feel free to browse our dedicated Asian Category.
If you like this recipe and make it, we’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can check it out and leave a comment! We love seeing what you cook!
Shrimp Stir Fry
Author: Anna
This easy Shrimp Stir Fry recipe is made with fresh shrimp, vibrant veggie mix and a savory stir-fry sauce, all done in 15 minutes of active cooking. Serve it with rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 291 kcal
Ingredients
for the stir fry:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 16 oz shrimp (medium size, cleaned and deveined)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly or into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
for the sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water or chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the cooked shrimp onto a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet.
- Add the diced red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, yellow onion, and sliced carrots to the pan. Sauté until they begin to soften but still have a slight crunch (about 3-5 minutes).
- Meanwhile, steam the broccoli in the microwave (place florets in a bowl, add ¼ cup of water, cover, microwave for 2 minutes, then drain).
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: soy sauce, water/chicken stock, cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Pour the whisked sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Return the cooked shrimp and steamed broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together gently to coat. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through.
- Serve hot over your choice of rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds for an enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific products and brands you use. The information provided below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise dietary planning.
- Feel free to customize your stir fry with other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, snow peas, cauliflower florets, baby corn, or bok choy.
Nutrition
Calories: 291 kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 1746mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 7242IU | Vitamin C: 126mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 4mg
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