There’s something magical about the sizzle of shrimp in a hot pan, right? A quick sniff and bam! Your senses are invited to a cozy feast of flavors. This shrimp stir fry is trending all over TikTok and Pinterest, and for good reason it’s not only fast, but it’s also a delightful way to mix things up for dinner!
Enjoy this quick and versatile shrimp stir fry packed with vibrant vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce. This shrimp stir fry recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. Try the quick garlic ginger shrimp stir fry style with a medley of fresh veggies for a tasty dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound medium raw shrimp peeled and deveined
5 cloves garlic crushed divided
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1 teaspoon canola olive or coconut oil
4 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 cups broccoli florets
4 carrots peeled and sliced thinly on the diagonal
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
hot cooked brown or white rice for serving
2/3 cup chicken broth or water
1/3 cup good quality soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
2 tablespoons corn starch
Instructions
Melt butter with half the garlic in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook shrimp until they become opaque, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.
Remove shrimp and set aside.
Increase heat to medium-high, add olive oil and the vegetables to the same pan.
Cover the pan to let the vegetables steam, stirring occasionally as they cook.
In a small bowl, combine broth, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Whisk in corn starch gradually to avoid lumps then add remaining garlic.
After vegetables have steamed about 5 minutes, pour in the sauce and simmer covered until veggies are crisp-tender and sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
Return shrimp to the pan and warm through.
Serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice.
Notes
Don’t like shrimp? Substitute with any protein you prefer, seasoning well and cooking before combining with other ingredients
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free soy sauce
Use any mix of fresh or frozen vegetables including snow peas
Add fresh ginger with garlic for extra flavor
Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired
Salt mostly comes from soy sauce, adjust seasoning after cooking
Customize sauce by adding sriracha, chili flakes, oyster sauce, or increase honey to balance flavors
Serve over rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 of 6 servings
Calories:394kcal
Sugar:10g
Sodium:1045mg
Fat:4g
Saturated Fat:2g
Unsaturated Fat:1g + 1g
Trans Fat:0.1g
Carbohydrates:67g
Fiber:4g
Protein:23g
Cholesterol:127mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This quick and cozy shrimp stir fry holds a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!). It’s not just fast; it’s like a warm hug of a meal that brings everyone together after a busy day. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plus, it’s colorful and incredibly adaptable! Whether you’re craving a spicy sriracha shrimp broccoli stir fry or the sweet charm of a teriyaki shrimp stir fry rice bowl, you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand. Kids and adults alike often find something to love in this dish!
And let’s not forgetthe aroma of garlic and veggies sizzling in the pan can melt away the stress of the day. It’s like a little culinary therapy right in your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s break down what we need to create this delightful dish. Here’s what goes into the pot:
Shrimp: Medium-sized, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook quickly and perfectly.
Veggies: A colorful mix of broccoli, sliced mushrooms, carrots, and red bell pepper adds nutrients and visual appeal.
For the sauce: Chicken broth or water, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and corn starch combine to create the delicious coating that brings everything together.
Tools: A large skillet or wok is essential for even cooking. A small bowl and whisk help with preparing the sauce.
Quick Cooking Overview
Task
Time
Prep shrimp and vegetables
10 minutes
Cook shrimp
5 minutes
Stir fry veggies
5 minutes
Combine with sauce and heat
5 minutes
Simple Steps to Make It
Time to put on our aprons and dive into making this delicious dish! Follow these easy steps:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with half of the garlic. Add the shrimp and cook until they’re opaque, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
Add olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Toss in all your veggies, cover the pan, and let them steam and soften, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by whisking together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and corn starch in a small bowl. Stir in the remaining garlic.
After about 5 minutes, combine everything: pour the sauce over the veggies, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens and the veggies are crisp-tender.
Finally, add the shrimp back to the skillet, heating everything through before serving over your preferred cooked rice.
Easy Customizations
The beauty of this shrimp stir fry lies in its flexibility! Here are some pro tips to make it your own:
Swap Proteins: Not in the mood for shrimp? Tofu, chicken, or beef can easily substitute without sacrificing flavor.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to use any in-season or leftover vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, snap peas, or baby corn can add delightful twists.
Spicy Level: If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce.
How to Serve & Store
This vibrant shrimp dish deserves a moment in the spotlight! Serve it over steaming bowls of brown or white rice for a cozy, satisfying meal. You can also enjoy it over rice noodles, cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or even plain on lighter days.
Leftovers keep well! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, a quick stir in the microwave or on the stovetop works greatadd a splash of water or broth to keep things moist and flavorful.
Storage Tips
Storage Method
Duration
Refrigerator (airtight container)
3 days
Freezer (sealed container)
2 months
Reheat (microwave/stovetop)
Until heated through
Expert Says
Stir-frying shrimp quickly at high heat preserves its delicate texture while locking in moisture. This technique retains the shrimp’s natural sweetness and lets the vibrant flavors of the vegetables shine in the stir fry. Balance is key; avoid overcrowding the pan for optimal results.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Quest for the Ultimate Shrimp Stir Fry
After many evenings of overcooked shrimp and soggy vegetables, I finally nailed my shrimp stir fry. Each attempt was a lesson in timing and balancing flavors, and now I can whip it up quickly, creating a delicious dish any busy family would love to enjoy together.
FAQs ( Shrimp Stir Fry )
Can I use frozen shrimp for stir-fry?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. A quick soak in cold water can help speed up the thawing process.
What vegetables pair well with shrimp?
Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work great in this dish. You can also add zucchini or carrots for extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure to cut the veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking.
How do I store leftover stir-fry?
Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add spicy sriracha or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry to up the heat. Adjust the amount based on your personal spice tolerance for the best flavor!
Conclusion
Creating this shrimp stir fry recipe will elevate your weeknight dinners from mundane to magical in just about 15 minutes! The delightful aroma of garlic and ginger filling your kitchen will remind you of heartfelt family gatherings. You’ll love how all the flavors come together, making a dish that’s not only beautiful but bursting with comfort.
Feel free to mix it up with a splash of soy sauce or a hint of honey for an extra flavor boostthose little tweaks can transform your stir fry into something special! And don’t forget, leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container; a gentle reheat will bring back that cozy vibe. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to add a squeeze of lemon right before serving for a fresh twist!
I’d love to hear how your stir fry turns out! Did this dish remind you of family meals growing up? Snap a pic, share your memories, and don’t hesitate to pass this recipe along to loved ones. After all, cooking together is the heart of home, and I’m so glad you’re part of this journey with me. Happy cooking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
