Shrimp Stir Fry
Shrimp stir fry is a vibrant and delicious dish that never fails to satisfy. The combination of tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce makes it a winning choice for any meal. As the shrimp cook and turn a lovely pink, they mingle with the crunchy snow peas, crisp carrots, and sweet red bell pepper, creating a medley that’s both visually appealing and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or entertaining guests, this shrimp stir fry promises to impress.

I first discovered my love for stir fry during a bustling weeknight when I needed something easy yet delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a satisfying meal that rivals any takeout. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch out vegetables based on what you have on hand. I can assure you, this shrimp stir fry will quickly become a go-to in your weekly rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce and chili garlic creates a tasty punch.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors and textures make it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Works wonderfully for lunch, dinner, or even as a party dish.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¼ cup soy sauce: This forms the base of your stir fry sauce and adds umami flavor. Look for low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce: Introduces a spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference or use sriracha.
- ½ tbsp cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce. Ensure it’s mixed well to avoid clumps.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic depth and flavor.
- 1 knob ginger, about 1-inch, minced: Brightens up the dish with its zesty taste; fresh ginger is always best.
- ½ tsp sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding nutty flavor; remember to use it sparingly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Great for sautéing the veggies; feel free to substitute with canola or peanut oil.
- 3 green onions, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh crunch; both white and green parts are great.
- 2 large carrots, sliced into coins: Introducing a slight sweetness and color; feel free to use rainbow carrots for extra appeal.
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped: This adds sweetness and vibrancy to your dish.
- 2 cups snow peas: These add a crisp texture and bright color.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out the flavors.
- 1 lb raw jumbo shrimp: The star of this dish! Go for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
- Sesame seeds: Perfect for garnishing, adding a nice crunch.
- Chopped green onion: Lovely for finishing touches and adding more color.
How to Make Shrimp Stir Fry
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and cornstarch until well combined. This mixture will thicken as it cooks, creating a delicious glaze.
Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the green onions, carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp but still vibrant.
Add the Shrimp: Stir in the raw jumbo shrimp and let them cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn pink and opaque. This is where the magic starts happening!
Thicken the Sauce: Pour in your prepared sauce, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken and coat the shrimp and vegetables beautifully. The smell will be irresistible!
Serve: Transfer your shrimp stir fry to a serving plate. Enjoy it over rice or noodles, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions for that final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For long-term storage, you can freeze the stir fry for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may soften a bit, but freshly made stir fry is still best enjoyed on its first day.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque for the best texture.
- If your sauce isn’t thickening, let it simmer for a minute or two longer after adding it to the shrimp and veggies.
- Feel free to swap out the veggies based on the season or what’s available; broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas work beautifully.
- Use fresh ingredients wherever possible for maximum flavor; it really makes a difference!
When you’re short on time but craving something satisfying, this recipe shines as a wonderful option. You will appreciate how balanced and nourishing it feels, whether you serve it at a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them well before cooking. A quick soak in cold water for about 15 minutes will do the trick, and be sure to pat them dry before adding to the stir fry.
How spicy is this shrimp stir fry?
This recipe has a light kick from the chili garlic sauce, but you can easily adjust the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or even leave it out altogether.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Stir fry is all about flexibility—feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers are fantastic alternatives and complement shrimp beautifully.
What can I serve with shrimp stir fry?
Shrimp stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You might also consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or spring rolls for a complete meal!
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps laid out, it’s time for you to experience this easy, delicious shrimp stir fry. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own! Enjoy this delightful dish and all the joy it brings to your table.
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Shrimp Stir Fry
This Shrimp Stir Fry showcases succulent shrimp paired with vibrant vegetables and a flavorful sauce, creating a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time 20 minutes
- Cook Time 35 minutes
- Yield 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 knob ginger about 1-inch, minced
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 green onions roughly chopped
- 2 large carrots sliced into coins
- 1 large red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cups snow peas
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 lb raw jumbo shrimp
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onion
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and cornstarch. Alternatively, shake the ingredients in a jar and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the green onions, carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your liking.
- Serve the stir fry over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
Notes
For an extra kick, adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to taste.
Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




