Best Ever Shrimp Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s fast — most of the cooking happens in minutes

• Shrimp stays juicy and tender when cooked just right

• Colorful vegetables add texture, flavor, and freshness

• The sauce balances savory, sweet, and a touch of heat

• Easy to customize with whatever vegetables or seasonings you have

Ingredients

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

Protein & Produce

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Bell pepper(s), sliced

• Broccoli florets

• Snap peas or snow peas

• Carrot, sliced or julienned

• Onion (red or yellow), sliced

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh ginger, minced (optional)

Sauce & Seasonings

• Soy sauce (or tamari)

• Rice vinegar

• Brown sugar or honey

• Sesame oil

• Cornstarch (for thickening)

• Chili flakes, sriracha, or red pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt & black pepper

Oil for cooking

• Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or other high-heat oil)

Directions

1. Prep ingredients – Wash and cut all vegetables to uniform sizes. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Make sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), a bit of sesame oil, and cornstarch (mixed in water to form a slurry). If you want heat, add chili flakes or sriracha.

3. Cook shrimp – Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer (do not crowd). Cook ~1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

4. Stir-fry vegetables – In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add harder vegetables first (e.g. carrots, broccoli) and stir-fry ~2–3 minutes. Then add softer vegetables (peppers, snap peas, onions). Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until aromatic.

5. Combine & saucing – Return shrimp to the pan. Stir sauce again, then pour over shrimp + vegetables. Toss together and cook until sauce thickens and everything is coated (about 1 minute).

6. Adjust & serve – Taste and adjust seasoning (add more soy/sugar/heat as desired). Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 3 to 4

• Prep time: ~5–10 minutes

• Cook time: ~8–12 minutes

• Total time: ~15–20 minutes

Variations

• Swap or add vegetables: asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, snap peas

• Use a citrus twist: add a splash of lime or orange juice to the sauce

• Add more heat: extra chili sauce, fresh chilies, or chili garlic paste

• Use different proteins: mix shrimp with chicken, tofu, or extra vegetables

• Make it gluten-free: use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure other ingredients are GF

• Add nuts: sprinkle toasted cashews or peanuts just before serving

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Store rice separately if possible.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, stirring until heated through.

• Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent shrimp becoming rubbery.

FAQs

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp (deveined and peeled) work best — they cook quickly yet stay juicy.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — thaw, pat dry, and proceed. Make sure they are thoroughly dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Why didn’t my sauce thicken?

You may have used too little cornstarch or too much liquid. Also, sauce must reach a slight simmer to activate the thickening.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque — a minute or two per side depending on size. They’ll cook a little more when mixed with sauce, so don’t overdo it initially.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can cut vegetables and make the sauce ahead, but cook shrimp and vegetables just before serving for best texture.

What rice or noodles go best with this?

Jasmine rice, basmati, or steamed white rice work well. You can also serve over rice noodles or lo mein-style noodles.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes — it’s lean protein + vegetables, and you can control the sugar and oil amount. It’s a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.

What if I don’t have some vegetables?

No problem — just use what you have. The recipe is flexible. Add veggies you like and omit ones you don’t.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely — just increase chili flakes, add fresh chili slices, or stir in extra sriracha to the sauce.

How do I get a good stir-fry sear and avoid steaming?

Ensure your pan and oil are hot before adding shrimp or vegetables, don’t overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if needed), and keep the food moving (stir constantly).

Conclusion

This Best Ever Shrimp Stir Fry delivers on speed, flavor, and versatility. With just a few staple ingredients and minimal effort, you get a satisfying meal that looks vibrant and tastes spectacular. Feel free to tweak the vegetables, heat level, or sauce to your preference — just follow the method and you’ll get excellent results. Let me know if you’d like a full recipe with measurements in grams or adapted for a certain number of servings!

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