Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry

Introduction

Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry is a vibrant, healthy, and quick-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a light, flavorful dinner. Packed with succulent shrimp, crisp snow peas, and colorful vegetables, this stir fry is coated in a savory sauce that balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also nutrient-dense, high in protein, and low in calories. The best part? It cooks in under 20 minutes, making it a convenient yet restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry because it’s fast, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors. The shrimp cooks quickly and remains tender, while the snow peas add a satisfying crunch. The sauce is perfectly balanced, adding depth without being overpowering. Plus, it’s colorful, healthy, and comforting all at once. It’s one of those recipes you can prepare in a single pan and feel good about eating.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s both wholesome and delicious. It offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory sauce that can satisfy your cravings while keeping calories in check. Ideal for anyone looking for a light but filling meal, this stir fry is also versatile—you can swap in other vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Quick, easy, and flavorful, it’s perfect for meal prep or spontaneous dinners.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories (per serving): ~250–300 kcal

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Course: Main dish, Lunch, or Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups snow peas, trimmed
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chili flakes

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
3. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, then remove from pan.
4. Stir-fry vegetables until tender-crisp.
5. Add shrimp back to the pan and pour in sauces.
6. Toss everything to combine, adding cornstarch mixture if desired.
7. Drizzle sesame oil, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Peel and devein shrimp, trim snow peas, and slice vegetables.
• Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• In the same pan, add remaining oil.
• Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Add snow peas, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Shrimp

• Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir to combine.
• Return cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently.
• If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice or quinoa.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry hot as a main dish. Pair with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. It also pairs well with simple Asian-style sides like miso soup or cucumber salad.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Cook shrimp separately from vegetables to prevent overcooking.
• Keep vegetables slightly crisp to maintain texture.
• Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve restaurant-style flavor.
• Adjust soy sauce and sesame oil to taste for balance.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef.
• Vegetable Variations: Add broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, or baby corn.
• Sauce Variations: Add hoisin sauce or sriracha for sweetness or heat.
• Noodle Option: Toss stir fry with cooked rice noodles instead of serving over rice.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as vegetables may become mushy when thawed.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or wok

• Spatula or tongs for tossing
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry (optional)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep vegetables and sauce in advance, but cook shrimp and vegetables fresh for best texture.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, baby corn, and mushrooms all work well.

Q5: How can I make it spicier?
Add fresh chili slices, chili flakes, or a dash of sriracha.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and colorful meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. With tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Versatile, easy to make, and full of vibrant flavors, this dish is a go-to recipe for anyone who loves healthy, restaurant-quality meals at home.