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shrimp stir fry recipe

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Oh, those busy weeknights! You know the ones. The kids just finished soccer practice, homework still looms, and everyone is suddenly declaring, "I'm starving!" It used to send me into a panic, staring blankly into the refrigerator, wondering how I could conjure up something wholesome, quick, and universally loved. Then, I discovered the magic of a good stir fry. More specifically, I perfected this shrimp stir fry recipe. It’s become a total lifesaver in our house. There's something so satisfying about fresh, vibrant vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a savory sauce all coming together in minutes. It's truly a testament to how simple ingredients can create a meal bursting with flavor and love. This isn't just another dinner; it’s a moment of calm in the chaos, a warm, nourishing hug for my family, ensuring everyone gets a healthy, delicious meal without me spending hours in the kitchen. If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty meal, then this easy shrimp stir fry recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on or off)
2 cups Broccoli Florets
1 large Bell Peppers (any color, sliced)
1 cup Carrots (julienned or thinly sliced)
1 cup Snap Peas or Snow Peas
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 tbsp Ginger (fresh, grated)
1 tbsp Sesame Oil (for cooking)
2 Green Onions (sliced, for garnish)
1 tsp Sesame Seeds (for garnish, optional)
¼ cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)
¼ cup Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
1 tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tsp Cornstarch
½ – 1 tsp Sriracha or Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and Sriracha (if using). Set aside. Chop all your vegetables: broccoli into florets, bell peppers and carrots into thin slices, and mince your garlic and grate your ginger
  2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate
  3. Stir Fry the Vegetables: If the pan seems dry, add another teaspoon of sesame oil. Add the harder vegetables first – carrots and broccoli – and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender-crisp
  4. Add Remaining Vegetables & Aromatics: Next, add the bell peppers and snap peas to the pan. Stir fry for another 2-3 minutes, until all the vegetables are bright and tender-crisp. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the clear space. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix them in with the vegetables
  5. Combine & Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the vegetables. Give your prepared sauce mixture a quick whisk again (cornstarch tends to settle) and pour it over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything beautifully
  6. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve your incredible shrimp stir fry recipe immediately over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Notes

Mise en Place is Your Best Friend: Chop all your vegetables, mince your garlic and ginger, and whisk together your sauce before you start cooking.

High Heat is Essential: Use a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat to achieve a crisp-tender texture and smoky flavor.

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming, ensuring everything gets a good sear.

Pat Your Shrimp Dry: Thoroughly pat raw shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking for a better sear and texture.

Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly (1-2 minutes per side); remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture. They will finish cooking with the sauce.

Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before adding the sauce, taste it and adjust for sweetness, spice, or saltiness to your preference.

Storage & Reheating: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results, adding a splash of water or broth.