Shrimp stir fry is a beloved dish known for its quick preparation, bold flavors, and versatility. Originating from Chinese cuisine, stir-fries are a cooking method that involves stir-frying ingredients in a hot pan with a small amount of oil, resulting in tender and crisp textures. The shrimp stir fry, in particular, combines succulent shrimp with an array of colorful vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce.
This dish is popular worldwide because it offers a well-balanced meal, bursting with savory, sweet, and spicy notes. The combination of shrimp and vegetables creates a satisfying texture, while the stir-fry technique preserves the vibrant colors and natural flavors of the ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a quick weeknight meal, shrimp stir fry is a perfect go-to dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a basic shrimp stir fry:
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1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 carrot, julienned
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1/2 onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Possible Substitutions:
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For gluten-free: Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
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For vegetarian: Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh.
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For low-carb: Skip the hoisin sauce or use a sugar-free version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables:
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Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels.
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Chop the vegetables: slice the bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and cut the broccoli into florets.
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Mince the garlic and slice the green onions for garnish.
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Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using). Stir until smooth.
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Stir-fry the Shrimp:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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Stir-fry the Vegetables:
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In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Combine Shrimp and Vegetables:
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Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the vegetables. Add the sauce mixture and toss everything to coat well.
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Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and thicken the sauce.
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Serve:
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Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately.
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Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking it can make it rubbery. Once it turns pink and opaque, it’s done!
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Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to get the right texture and flavor. Ensure your pan or wok is hot before adding ingredients.
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Add Ingredients in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, cook the shrimp and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the ingredients instead of stir-frying them.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the shrimp for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based stir fry. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
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Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes, or incorporate a bit of sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
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Low-Carb Option: Skip the hoisin sauce or use a sugar-free version to reduce the carbs, and serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with Rice or Noodles: Pair the shrimp stir fry with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. For a low-carb version, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a dash of sesame seeds for extra flavor and a pop of color.
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Pairing Drinks: This dish goes well with a light beer, sparkling water, or a glass of chilled white wine.
Nutritional Information
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Calories (per serving): ~250-300 kcal
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fats: 15g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 800mg (can be reduced with low-sodium soy sauce)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan or microwave until heated through. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to stir-fry everything right before serving to preserve the textures and flavors.
Closing Thoughts
Shrimp stir fry is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a tasty dish in no time. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins to make it your own. Share your cooking results with friends and family or leave a comment if you have any questions!
