Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp stir fry is not only incredibly quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of shrimp and fresh vegetables makes it a well-balanced meal that’s light yet filling. The stir-fry sauce is a simple mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, which complements the shrimp and vegetables perfectly. Plus, it’s versatile! You can swap in different vegetables or proteins depending on what you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

5. Combine Shrimp and Vegetables: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the shrimp are well-coated.

6. Serve: Serve the stir fry over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Different Proteins: You can substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu for a variation of this recipe.

• More Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the stir fry for even more flavor and texture.

• Spicy Stir Fry: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the stir fry sauce for extra heat.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover shrimp stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the microwave until hot. If reheating from the fridge, you may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the shrimp and stir fry right before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables you enjoy, like snap peas, carrots, or bok choy. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I keep the shrimp from being overcooked?

Shrimp cooks very quickly. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque, which should only take 2-3 minutes per side.

Is this stir fry sauce spicy?

The stir fry sauce is not inherently spicy, but you can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce works perfectly well in this recipe. It’s a great way to reduce the sodium content of the dish while still maintaining flavor.

How can I make this dish more filling?

You can serve this stir fry with a side of rice, noodles, or quinoa to make it more filling. You can also add more protein or vegetables to bulk it up.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute sesame oil with vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil, depending on your preference.

Can I freeze this stir fry?

While it’s best to eat stir fry fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and vegetables for up to 1-2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon reheating.

How do I prevent my vegetables from becoming too soft?

To ensure your vegetables retain a bit of crunch, stir-fry them over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking them. If you prefer your veggies more tender, you can cook them a little longer, but be mindful not to go too far.

Conclusion

This Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables is a fantastic option for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. With tender shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful stir-fry sauce, it’s the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re in a rush or just craving something light and fresh, this stir fry is sure to become a go-to recipe!

Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables

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This Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with succulent shrimp and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, it’s made even easier with a simple stir-fry sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying dinner!

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Dinner
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

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Instructions

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Return the shrimp to the pan. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
• Serve the shrimp stir fry over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• You can swap in other vegetables such as snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn based on your preferences.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Adjust the sweetness of the stir-fry sauce by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste.
• For extra flavor, you can sprinkle with some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.