Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re looking for a fast, healthy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this dish is exactly what you need. Juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet garlic-ginger sauce come together in one pan to create a meal that tastes like your favorite restaurant takeout but fresher and better.
What makes this shrimp stir fry truly special is how quickly it comes together. From prep to plate, it takes just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for a customizable meal the whole family will enjoy Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe.
Why This Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Works So Well
This recipe is designed to be simple, flexible, and full of bold flavor. Shrimp cook incredibly fast, which makes them ideal for stir-frying. When paired with high-heat cooking and fresh vegetables, you get a dish that’s light yet filling.
The homemade stir fry sauce strikes the perfect balance between salty, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. Because it’s made from pantry staples, you can control the sodium and spice level something you can’t do with store-bought sauces. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
Stir Fry Sauce: The Flavor Foundation
The sauce is what transforms this dish from ordinary to unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating depth and balance.
Low-sodium chicken broth adds body without overpowering the shrimp. Soy sauce provides savory umami flavor, while rice vinegar adds just enough tang to brighten the dish. Sesame oil brings a nutty aroma that instantly makes the stir fry taste authentic.
Honey balances the saltiness with gentle sweetness, and sriracha plus crushed red pepper add adjustable heat. Fresh garlic and grated ginger are essential they deliver bold, aromatic flavor that defines a great shrimp stir fry. Cornstarch thickens the sauce so it coats every piece of shrimp and vegetable beautifully.
Shrimp Stir Fry Ingredients Explained
This recipe uses colorful vegetables that cook quickly and retain a pleasant crunch.
Shrimp are the star of the dish, offering lean protein and a juicy texture. Using peeled, deveined shrimp with the tails removed makes the dish easier to eat. Canola oil works well for stir frying because it handles high heat without burning.
Broccoli florets add freshness and texture, while snow peas contribute a slightly sweet crunch. Red bell peppers provide color and mild sweetness, and onions bring a subtle sharpness that rounds out the dish. Chinese Five Spice is optional but adds warmth and complexity if you enjoy bold flavors. Fresh scallions finish the dish with a light, oniony bite.
Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Notes
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (or ginger paste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- Chinese five spice (optional, see notes)
- 1 red pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces snow peas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Prepare the shrimp: Peel, devein, and remove the tails from the shrimp. Pat them dry and sprinkle both sides with Chinese Five Spice (optional).
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, honey, crushed red pepper, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and broccoli florets, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. Add the red pepper and snow peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-1.5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce thick: Reduce the heat to low and give the sauce a quick whisk before adding it to the skillet. Cook the sauce for a minute or two until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and serve: Return the vegetables and shrimp to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Top with chopped scallions and serve promptly.
- For best results, use oils with high smoking points, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil. Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the ingredients.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary and plate the shrimp and vegetables separately.
- Shrimp cook quickly, just 1-2 minutes per side depending on their size.
- If you don’t enjoy Chinese Five Spice (which includes anise, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and ginger), feel free to skip it and season the shrimp with just salt and pepper.
- Add or substitute vegetables as desired, such as carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Avoid cooking garlic at high heat to prevent burning. You can either add it directly to the sauce or reduce the heat and cook it with the other vegetables toward the end of their cooking time.
- Stir frying happens fast, so make sure to stay attentive.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated in the microwave at reduced power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly well. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents the stir fry from becoming watery.
What size shrimp is best for stir fry?
Medium to large shrimp are ideal for stir frying. They cook quickly, stay juicy, and are easy to flip in the pan without overcooking.
Can I make this shrimp stir fry less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply reduce or omit the sriracha and crushed red pepper. The dish will still be full of flavor thanks to the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
This recipe is very flexible. You can add or substitute vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, bok choy, or zucchini based on what you have on hand.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Shrimp cook very fast usually 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque, and avoid cooking them on high heat for too long.
Can I make the stir fry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just whisk it again before adding it to the pan.
Conclusion
This Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and full of bold flavor. With tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a balanced garlic-ginger sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality taste using simple, everyday ingredients.
Whether you serve it over rice, low-carb noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this dish is easy to customize and always satisfying. Once you try it, this shrimp stir fry is sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
