Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe: Easy and Ready in 20 Minutes

Discover a delicious shrimp stir fry recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It has juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and a tasty homemade sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. It’s sure to become a favorite in your family.

Key Takeaways

• Shrimp stir fry recipe ready in just 20 minutes
• Includes ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and avocado oil
• Customizable with a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables
• Tender-crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked shrimp
• Yields 4 servings with balanced nutrition

Why This Quick Stir Fry Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

Stir frying is a fast and simple way to make a tasty, restaurant-quality meal at home. This easy shrimp stir fry recipe is great for busy weeknights. It gives you delicious results in just 20 minutes.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This stir fry shrimp dish is perfect for hectic weekdays. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll have a tasty, satisfying meal ready in no time, without the long prep work.

Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

The homemade stir fry sauce is the secret to this recipe’s amazing taste. It’s made with soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and cornstarch. This sauce perfectly coats the shrimp and veggies, offering a sweet, savory, and umami flavor mix.

Customizable to Your Taste

This shrimp stir fry recipe is very versatile. You can change the veggies or tweak the sauce to your liking. Try using bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or water chestnuts for different flavors.

Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb choice, this stir fry shrimp recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Making a delicious shrimp stir fry begins with picking the right ingredients. At its core are medium or large shrimp, adding a tasty texture and flavor. Alongside, fresh veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots bring vibrant colors and a crunchy bite.

Aromatics like garlic and ginger are key, adding their unique scents to the dish. The stir fry sauce, made from soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and brown sugar, balances savory and sweet. This sauce perfectly complements the seafood and veggies.

For a bit of spice, chili flakes can be added. Topping it off with toasted sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and looks great. Using top-notch, fresh ingredients ensures your shrimp stir fry tastes like it’s from a restaurant.

• Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• A variety of fresh vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots)
• Garlic and ginger for aromatics
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and brown sugar for the stir fry sauce
• Chili flakes for a touch of heat (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish

By choosing and mixing these key ingredients, you can make a tasty shrimp stir fry. It will impress your taste buds and make you want more.

Choosing and Preparing the Right Shrimp

Choosing the right shrimp is key for a great shrimp and vegetable stir fry. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well, but they need proper preparation.

Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp Options

If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them fully before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents rubbery shrimp. Choose medium to large shrimp, about 31-50 per pound, for the best taste.

Size and Preparation Guidelines

• Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time.
• Medium to large shrimp (31-50 per pound) are ideal for stir fries.
• Avoid small or extra-large shrimp, as they cook unevenly.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

To cook shrimp perfectly, watch the time. They should turn opaque and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough. Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to help them sear better.

“The key to a great shrimp stir fry is starting with high-quality, properly prepared shrimp.”

Follow these tips for choosing and preparing shrimp. You’ll make a delicious shrimp and vegetable stir fry that everyone will enjoy.

The Secret to a Flavorful Stir Fry Sauce

Making a tasty stir fry sauce is key to great home cooking. It’s all about mixing sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Whether you’re making a stir fry sauce recipe or a homemade stir fry sauce, the main ingredients are the same.

The base of a good stir fry sauce is soy sauce for its salty taste. Sesame oil adds a nutty smell, and sugar or honey bring sweetness. Cornstarch makes the sauce smooth and thick.

To make the sauce even better, add rice vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. These ingredients add depth and complexity, making the sauce truly special.

Make the stir fry sauce before cooking the main ingredients. This makes the stir fry quick and easy. You can also adjust the sauce to your liking, making it versatile.

With this stir fry sauce recipe, you can make homemade stir fry sauce that’s restaurant-quality. Enjoy amazing flavors in your own kitchen!

Best Vegetables to Include in Your Stir Fry

Choosing the right vegetables is key to a great stir fry. Some veggies cook well in this quick method, adding texture and flavor. Let’s look at the top picks for your stir fry vegetables for a tasty dish.

Quick-Cooking Vegetables

For a quick and tasty stir fry, pick veggies that cook fast. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and asparagus are great choices. They stay colorful and crunchy when cooked just right.

Proper Cutting Techniques

Cutting veggies into uniform pieces is important. It helps them cook evenly, making your dish balanced. Cut broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus into 1-inch pieces for the best taste.

Vegetable Cooking Order

The order you add veggies matters in stir-frying. Start with carrots and broccoli to get a nice char. Then, add bell peppers and snap peas. Finish with leafy greens to keep them fresh.

By choosing the right stir fry vegetables, cutting them right, and cooking them in the right order, you’ll get amazing results. Try different veggies to find your favorite stir fry mix.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a tasty shrimp stir fry at home is simple. Just follow a few easy steps to enjoy a meal like a restaurant’s in your kitchen. Here’s how to make the perfect how to cook shrimp stir fry:

1. Start by making the stir fry sauce. Mix low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, lime juice, brown sugar, and a bit of red pepper flakes in a bowl. Keep it aside.
2. Then, cut all the veggies like broccoli, sugar snap peas, and red bell pepper into small pieces. Also, mince the garlic and ginger.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a big wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re just opaque. Take the shrimp out of the pan and set them aside.
4. In the same pan, add the chopped veggies in order of their cooking time. Start with the broccoli and snap peas, cooking for 7 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Then, add the red bell pepper and sauté for an extra 2-3 minutes.
5. Move the veggies to the side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, until they smell great.
6. Put the shrimp back in the pan and pour in the stir fry sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and covers everything.

The whole stir fry cooking process should take about 15-20 minutes. Serve the shrimp stir fry right away, over steamed rice or noodles, for a full and tasty meal. Enjoy!

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Style Results

To make your stir fry as good as a restaurant’s, learn the right techniques. A wok is great for its heat and tossing, but a big skillet works too. The secret is to keep the heat high to sear well and avoid steaming.

Wok vs. Regular Pan Cooking

A wok can change your stir fry game if you have one. Its shape helps with heat and mixing. But, a big skillet can also do the trick if it’s heavy and has enough room for ingredients.

Temperature Control Secrets

Temperature is key, no matter the pan. The pan should be hot to sear quickly without burning. Don’t fill the pan too much to keep the heat up. If needed, cook in batches to keep the heat right for a perfect restaurant-style stir fry.

“The secret to a great stir fry is all in the temperature control. You want that pan ripping hot to get that delicious sear on the ingredients.”

Mastering these tips will help you make a restaurant-style stir fry at home. The main thing is to control the heat and let the ingredients sizzle to perfection.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve your shrimp stir fry over steamed jasmine rice, lo mein noodles, or riced cauliflower for a lighter option. Pair it with delicious fish and rice recipes or quick and easy healthy salad recipes for a complete meal.

For a healthier choice, use riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of grains. Add toasted sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro on top. This will make your dish look and taste great.

Pair your shrimp stir fry with egg drop soup or crispy spring rolls for a complete meal. The stir fry’s rich flavors will match well with these sides. Plus, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy for future meals.

• Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice
• Toss with lo mein noodles or rice noodles
• Swap in riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro
• Pair with a side of egg drop soup or crispy spring rolls
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Try these ideas to make your shrimp stir fry a hit with your family. It will be a meal they’ll remember and ask for again.

Related Recipes

Explore more delicious recipes to complement your meal:

• What is the Secret Ingredient in Stir Fry? Learn the art of balancing flavors in your stir fry sauce.
• Blackened Chicken Alfredo Recipe for a creamy pasta night.
• Easy Homemade Fish Food Recipe for seafood lovers.

Conclusion

This easy shrimp stir fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick, delicious, and customizable. You can make it in just 20 minutes, just like a restaurant.

It’s great because you can use different vegetables and serve it in many ways. The shrimp, sauce, and veggies make a tasty and healthy dinner. Everyone in your family will love it.

Looking for a simple meal or something impressive to serve guests? This stir fry recipe is both flavorful and convenient. Try it and enjoy a homemade meal that’s ready fast.

FAQ

What is the secret ingredient in stir fry?

The “secret ingredient” in a stir fry can vary, but often it’s a sauce or seasoning that ties the flavors together. Common secret ingredients include:

1. Soy sauce or oyster sauce for umami depth.
2. Hoisin sauce for sweetness.
3. Sesame oil for nutty flavor.
4. Rice vinegar or a splash of citrus juice for acidity.
5. Fresh garlic and ginger for aromatic complexity.
6. Cornstarch slurry to thicken sauces.

A small amount of a unique addition like fish sauce, mirin, or even a dash of sugar can elevate the dish and make it distinct.

What is the secret to a good stir fry?

The secret to a good stir fry lies in technique and preparation:

1. High Heat: Use high heat to achieve a smoky, slightly charred flavor (known as “wok hei” in Chinese cooking).
2. Prep Everything First: Cut all ingredients into uniform, bite-sized pieces and have them ready to cook. Stir-frying is quick and doesn’t allow time for prepping while cooking.
3. Layer Cooking: Cook proteins, vegetables, and sauces in the right order, removing items from the pan as needed to avoid overcooking.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in small batches to maintain high heat and avoid steaming.
5. Quality Oil: Use a high smoke-point oil like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil.
6. Balance Flavors: Incorporate salty, sweet, sour, and umami elements for a well-rounded dish.

Should you thaw frozen shrimp before stir-frying?

Yes, you should thaw frozen shrimp before stir-frying. Cooking frozen shrimp directly can release excess water, diluting flavors and making the dish soggy. To thaw shrimp:

1. Quick Method: Run shrimp under cold water in a colander for 5-10 minutes.
2. Overnight Method: Place shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.

Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring they sear properly during cooking.

What are the three rules of stir-frying?

1. Prep in Advance: Chop and measure all ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast, and you won’t have time to prepare during the process.
2. Use High Heat: The high temperature cooks food quickly and adds a smoky flavor. Make sure your pan or wok is fully preheated before adding ingredients.
3. Cook in Stages: Cook proteins first, remove them from the pan, and then cook vegetables. Return everything to the pan at the end with the sauce for final mixing.

Following these rules will ensure a flavorful and evenly cooked stir fry!