Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry

Introduction

Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry is a delicious, vibrant dish loaded with crisp-tender vegetables, juicy shrimp, and a savory garlic-soy sauce that brings everything together in minutes. This recipe perfectly balances texture and flavor — sweet, savory, garlicky, and just the right amount of umami.

It’s the ideal go-to meal when you want something healthy, fresh, and fast without sacrificing taste. Ready in under 25 minutes, this stir fry makes busy weeknights feel gourmet and brings restaurant-style Asian flavors right to your kitchen.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry because it’s one of those meals that feels incredibly satisfying yet light. The shrimp are juicy and flavorful, the vegetables add crunch and color, and the sauce ties it all together with just the right balance of savory and sweet.

It’s also super flexible — you can use any vegetables you have on hand, adjust the spice level, and even change the base to noodles, rice, or quinoa. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and Easy: Done in less than 25 minutes.
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein, vitamins, and fiber.
• Versatile: Works with many veggies and sauces.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for lunches or quick dinners.
• Restaurant Quality: Deliciously saucy and perfectly balanced flavors.

If you love meals that are light yet filling, flavorful yet easy, this stir fry deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~380 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Asian (Chinese-inspired)
• Course: Main Course / Lunch / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for richer flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• ½ small onion, sliced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)

For Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix stir fry sauce ingredients and set aside.
2. Sauté shrimp until pink, then remove from pan.
3. Stir fry vegetables until tender-crisp.
4. Add sauce and shrimp back to pan.
5. Toss everything until well coated, then serve over rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

• In the same pan, add the remaining oil.
• Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Toss in carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
• Add snow peas last and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Return the shrimp to the pan.
• Pour the sauce over and stir well to coat everything evenly.
• Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
• Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or lo mein noodles.
• Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil if you love extra heat.
• Pair with a side of miso soup, Asian cucumber salad, or spring rolls for a complete meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Prep all ingredients first: Stir fry cooking moves fast!
• Use high heat: It keeps vegetables crisp and shrimp juicy.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook very quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Add sauce last: So it evenly coats everything without burning.
• Extra flavor: Add a splash of rice vinegar or squeeze of lime before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Shrimp Teriyaki Stir Fry: Replace oyster sauce with teriyaki sauce.
2. Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry: Add more chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
3. Ginger Sesame Stir Fry: Double the ginger and add extra sesame oil for nuttier flavor.
4. Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
5. Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with tofu, tempeh, or just extra veggies.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked stir fry (without rice) for up to 2 months.
• Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Reheating Tip:
Reheat gently over medium heat — avoid overcooking shrimp again.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large wok or non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Rice cooker (optional but handy)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely, pat dry, and follow the same cooking instructions.

Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Store the shrimp, veggies, and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Q3: What other vegetables can I use?
Great options include mushrooms, cabbage, green beans, or baby corn.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.

Q5: Can I add noodles instead of rice?
Absolutely! Lo mein or rice noodles work perfectly with this dish.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry is everything you want in a meal — colorful, fresh, and packed with bold flavors. It’s light yet deeply satisfying, healthy yet indulgent, and endlessly versatile.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes. The juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and glossy sauce come together beautifully — making it a must-try dish for anyone who loves quick, wholesome meals with a kick of flavor!