It’s 6 p.m. and you’re hungry. The last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking. But, what if you could whip up a Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe in just 15 minutes? Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this recipe is as delicious as something you’d get at a restaurant .
Table of Contents
Vibrant shrimp stir fry in a colorful wok filled with fresh vegetables, bright red bell peppers, green snap peas, and garlic, sizzling over high heat, with a glossy sauce coating the shrimp, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, served on a rustic wooden table.
- Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
- Customizable with a variety of fresh vegetables
- Healthier than takeout, low in fat and calories
- Utilizes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Yields 4 servings, great for families or meal prepping
The Perfect Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Craving a delicious, healthy seafood dish that’s quick to make? This shrimp stir fry recipe is perfect. It’s a fast, easy one-pan dinner that’s full of flavor and good for you.
Benefits of Making Stir Fry at Home
Making healthy stir fry at home has many benefits. You can control the ingredients, cutting down on sodium and adding more fresh foods. It’s also cheaper than eating out, letting you enjoy tasty seafood dishes at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This shrimp stir fry is great for busy nights because it cooks fast. It’s packed with lean protein and veggies. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for one-pan dinners. The mix of veggies like red bell pepper, asparagus, and carrots makes it both tasty and healthy.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use a large skillet or wok for even cooking.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking for a quicker stir fry.
- Cook on high heat for faster results, as stir fries cook best under intense heat.
With these tips and the right ingredients, you can quickly prepare a delicious, healthy stir-fry. It’s the perfect option for hectic weeknights.
Essential Ingredients for Restaurant-Quality Results
To make a shrimp stir fry like your favorite Asian restaurant, start with the right ingredients. For this 15-minute garlic shrimp recipe, you need a few key items. They will give you that restaurant-quality taste and texture.
First, use extra large shrimp – about 1 pound of 12-15 count per pound. These are easier to peel, devein, and sear. Frozen shrimp are also great, keeping their freshness and texture.
For seasoning the sautéed shrimp, you’ll need white pepper, salt, and cornstarch. The cornstarch makes a light, crispy coating that keeps the juices in. A bit of Chinese rice wine or sherry adds authentic Asian cuisine flavor.
Garlic and scallions are key, along with optional jalapeño slices for heat. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of honey or brown sugar make a savory-sweet sauce. This sauce brings everything together.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Large Shrimp | 1 lb (12-15 count) |
| White Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Jalapeño, sliced (optional) | 1 |
| Scallions, chopped | 2 |
| Chinese Rice Wine or Sherry | 2 tbsp |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Oyster Sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to a garlic shrimp stir fry full of Asian cuisine flavors. It will taste like it’s from a restaurant.
The Secret to Perfect Stir Fry Sauce
To make your shrimp stir fry taste like it’s from a restaurant, start with the right sauce. It’s all about mixing sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. This creates a perfect blend that goes well with the asian flavors of your dish. Our homemade stir fry sauce is the secret to making your stir-fried shrimp and veggies shine.
Sauce Base Components
The base of our stir fry sauce is simple yet tasty. It’s made with water, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. These ingredients give the sauce its savory and umami taste, preparing it for the other flavors.
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings
We add a few special ingredients to deepen the sauce’s flavor. Honey adds sweetness, while rice wine vinegar brings a tangy touch. A bit of hot sauce, like Sriracha, adds a gentle heat that completes the flavor.
Thickening Agents
To get the sauce just right, we use cornstarch. It makes the sauce thick and smooth, so it sticks well to the shrimp and veggies.
With these ingredients, our homemade stir fry sauce brings together sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. It takes your shrimp stir fry to a whole new level. Now, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Preparing Your Shrimp Like a Pro
When cooking shrimp, getting the prep right is crucial for top-notch results. First, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. This step prevents oil splatter and helps them brown evenly.
To get the best texture, don’t overcook your shrimp. They should turn opaque and curl up slightly, which takes about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.
If you’re using frozen shrimp, defrost them first. Soak them in cold water, stirring now and then, for 10-15 minutes. This makes sure they’re thawed and ready to cook.
| Shrimp Preparation Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pat shrimp dry with paper towels | Prevents oil splatter and ensures even browning |
| Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side | Prevents rubbery, overcooked texture |
| Defrost frozen shrimp in cold water for 10-15 minutes | Ensures shrimp are fully thawed and ready to cook |
By following these seafood tips, you’ll perfect the art of cooking shrimp, ensuring tender and flavorful results each time.
Best Vegetables for Shrimp Stir Fry
Making a tasty vegetable medley is crucial for a delicious and healthy stir fry. Choose quick-cooking veggies for a colorful and varied dish. This ensures your stir fry is both flavorful and nutritious.
Quick-Cooking Vegetable Options
- Broccoli florets
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sugar snap peas
- Asparagus spears
- Green beans
- Snow peas
- Zucchini, sliced or julienned
Color and Texture Combinations
To make a stir fry vegetables dish that looks great and tastes amazing, mix different colors and textures. Try pairing:
- Crisp red bell peppers
- Crunchy green broccoli florets
- Tender white mushrooms
Use only the freshest veggies and don’t overcrowd the pan. This way, you’ll get the best texture. With a bit of trial and error, you can create the ideal vegetable medley to go with your shrimp stir fry.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Learning to make a stir fry is a big deal in the kitchen. This quick shrimp stir fry recipe is a great example. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Start by cooking the shrimp in a single layer in a hot wok or large skillet. Once they’re opaque and slightly curled, take them out and set them aside.
- Then, add the vegetables to the hot pan and stir-fry until they’re crisp-tender. This quick cooking keeps their colors bright and flavors fresh.
- Next, add the garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté them briefly. This step is key for adding the quintessential asian cooking methods to your stir fry technique.
- Pour in the stir fry sauce and let it simmer. This lets the sauce thicken and coat the vegetables evenly. The sauce is the heart of this dish, so let it work its magic.
- Finally, add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and toss everything together. This ensures the shrimp is fully coated in the flavorful sauce. This final step makes sure the cooking shrimp is perfectly integrated into the dish.
This entire process takes just 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With a few simple techniques and quality ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with this quick and tasty shrimp stir fry.
Customization and Substitution Options
Shrimp stir fry is super versatile. You can change up the protein, meet dietary needs, or just try something new. There are many ways to customize it.
Protein Alternatives
Shrimp is the main attraction, but you can swap it for other proteins. Try cubed lean beef, pork, chicken, or tofu for a veggie option. Make sure to cook each protein until it’s done right.
Dietary Modifications
- For a gluten-free stir fry, use Mirin or dry Sherry instead of Shaoxing wine. Tamari or coconut aminos work better than soy sauce.
- Want a low-carb version? Use xanthan gum as a thickener and Coconut Aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Vegans and vegetarians can substitute tofu or tempeh, and include plenty of vegetables for added nutrition.
Stir fry is great because you can make it fit your diet. It’s a tasty way to enjoy a meal, no matter your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This quick shrimp stir fry is perfect as a main dish. You can serve it over Instant Pot Brown Rice or Jasmine Rice for a classic taste. Or, try a quinoa or cauliflower rice base for a healthier option.
To make it look and taste even better, add some sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or orange zest. These simple touches add a burst of flavor and color.
For a complete meal, pair the shrimp stir fry with a light soup or salad. A fresh Asian-inspired salad or a warm hot and sour soup adds depth to your dinner.
The shrimp stir fry is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a main dish or part of a bigger meal. It’s sure to please your taste buds and fill you up. Try different asian side dishes and rice pairings to find your favorite combination.
Conclusion
This 15-minute shrimp stir fry is a quick, healthy, and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want a homemade Asian dish. You can change the veggies and proteins to fit your taste and diet.
Looking for a simple shrimp recipe or a quick, healthy stir fry? This recipe is it. The homemade teriyaki sauce is easy to make and keeps well. You can play with the sauce flavors and try different proteins and veggies.
This shrimp stir fry is great for a quick, nutritious dinner. It’s fast to make and you can customize it easily. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with this 15-minute recipe.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this shrimp stir fry recipe?
The main ingredients are large, peeled, and deveined shrimp, and fresh veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. You’ll also need high smoke point oil, like canola or vegetable oil. The sauce includes low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, and Shaoxing wine. Don’t forget fresh garlic and ginger for that authentic taste.
How do I prepare the shrimp for the stir fry?
Dry the shrimp with paper towels to prevent oil splatter and ensure even browning. Cook them in a single layer for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re opaque. This prevents them from becoming rubbery. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them quickly by placing them in cold water for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What are the best vegetables to use in this shrimp stir fry?
Great choices include broccoli, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and asparagus. Quick-cooking options like green beans, snow peas, and zucchini are also good. For a mix of colors and textures, try red bell peppers, green broccoli, and white mushrooms. Fresh veggies will give you the best results and a crisp-tender texture.
How can I customize this shrimp stir fry recipe?
You can swap the shrimp with cubed lean beef, pork, chicken, or tofu. For gluten-free, use Mirin or dry Sherry instead of Shaoxing wine, and Tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. For a low-carb version, use Coconut Aminos and skip the cornstarch.
What are some serving suggestions for this shrimp stir fry recipe?
Serve the stir fry over Instant Pot Brown Rice, Jasmine Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add sesame seeds, green onions, or orange zest for extra flavor. Enjoy it as a one-pot meal or with a light soup or salad for a full dinner.