I absolutely love this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe because it’s quick, flavorful, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how effortlessly all the flavors came together, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy yet satisfying. Plus, the buttery richness paired with the fresh vegetables gives it just the right balance of indulgence and nutrition.
You’ll find that this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe works so well as a one-pan meal and is incredibly flexible—whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests. What I really appreciate is how easily you can swap veggies or adjust spice levels, so it’s truly a recipe you can make your own. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a regular in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Packed: The ginger, garlic, and buttery sauce bring vibrant depth.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap veggies to match what you have or your mood.
- Perfect for Any Skill Level: Simple steps make this accessible for novices and pros alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe work wonderfully together because they balance freshness, texture, and umami-rich flavors. Don’t stress about sourcing anything fancy—most of these are staples, and I’ll share little tips to help you pick the best.
- Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work great; I prefer peeled and deveined to save prep time.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the stir fry; unsalted lets you control the salt level.
- Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing and adds a mild fruity taste.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth.
- Mushrooms: Quartered button or cremini mushrooms add earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Red Pepper: Cubed for color and a gentle sweet crunch.
- Broccoli Florets: Provides nutrition and that satisfying bite; I like medium-sized florets for even cooking.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced for that unmistakable garlicky aroma.
- Ginger: Freshly grated is best to brighten the dish with subtle warmth.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the stir fry sauce, adding savoriness.
- Soy Sauce: The classic stir fry flavor enhancer; low sodium if you want to keep salt in check.
- Honey: Balances the salty and tangy elements with a touch of sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce nicely, giving it that glossy finish.
- Sriracha Sauce: For a subtle heat kick; you can adjust or skip depending on your spice preference.
- Green Onion (Optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color when garnishing.
- Sesame Seed (Optional): Toasted for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Variations
I love how you can tweak this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe to suit your taste buds or what’s lurking in your fridge. Whether you want to dial up the heat or make it vegetarian, the recipe is a true blank canvas—you’ll find fun ways to make it your own.
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap shrimp for firm tofu or tempeh; my family goes crazy for this twist when we’re skipping seafood.
- Spicy Variation: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes—I’ve learned that a little heat really wakes up the flavors!
- Veggie Swap: Use snap peas, carrots, or bok choy instead of broccoli and pepper for a fresh seasonal vibe.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari in place of soy sauce to keep it safe and tasty.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp Just Right
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp with 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. It’s key not to overcook here—once the shrimp are done, remove them from the skillet to avoid them getting rubbery later.
Step 2: Build the Flavor with Onions and Butter
In the same skillet, toss in another tablespoon each of butter and olive oil, then add the chopped onions. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. This step adds sweetness and depth to your stir fry, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables to Perfection
Next, add the remaining butter, broccoli florets, mushrooms, and red pepper to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the veggies reach your preferred tenderness. I like mine to stay a little crisp—gives the dish that fresh, vibrant texture.
Step 4: Infuse with Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, then cook for just about 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning. This little trick adds a gorgeous punch to the dish that makes all the difference.
Step 5: Create and Thicken the Sauce
While veggies are cooking, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and sriracha in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook over medium heat until it thickens up, usually a couple of minutes. Watching the sauce develop that glossy sheen is so satisfying—it’s where all those flavors truly marry.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Finally, add the shrimp back into the skillet to reheat for a minute or two, allowing them to soak up those saucy, savory flavors. Give everything a gentle stir, then it’s ready to serve. Seriously, you’ll be amazed how quickly this comes together!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking shrimp in batches if needed gives that perfect sear without steaming them.
- Use Fresh Ginger: I discovered fresh ginger adds brightness that ground simply can’t match.
- Let the Sauce Thicken Properly: Be patient and keep stirring until you see the sauce glossy and clinging beautifully to the ingredients.
- Add Veggies According to Their Cook Time: Start with sturdier veggies like broccoli first, then add softer ones later to avoid mushy stir fry.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped green onions and a few toasted sesame seeds on top before serving—these little touches brighten the dish and add a lovely crunch. They make a visually appealing plate without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
Pair this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. Sometimes I also serve it with simple garlic noodles or even cauliflower rice if I want to keep things low-carb. Both options soak up the sauce beautifully!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love to plate this stir fry in pretty bowls with a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh zing. Another fun idea is serving it over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles to impress guests with an elegant twist that’s still healthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and find that the flavors actually deepen after a day or two. Just be mindful that the shrimp are best eaten within 3 days for the freshest taste.
Freezing
Personally, I avoid freezing this stir fry because the texture of cooked shrimp and vegetables can change, but if you do freeze it, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the shrimp tender and veggies crisp. I steer clear of microwaving because it tends to toughen shrimp and make vegetables soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps them sear properly and prevents them from steaming.
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What vegetables work best in this stir fry?
Broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers work wonderfully, but you can also use snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or bok choy. I suggest adding vegetables based on their cooking time to keep everything perfectly crisp-tender.
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How can I adjust the sauce to be less sweet or salty?
Feel free to reduce the honey if you prefer less sweetness, and choose low-sodium soy sauce for a milder saltiness. You can always taste and tweak as the sauce simmers until it suits you.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil. This way, you keep all the delicious vibes without animal products.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner lineup—it’s quick, comforting, and leaves enough room for creativity. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the simple joy of fresh, vibrant flavors coming together in a flash. When you do, I’d love to hear how you customized it or what your favorite veggies turned out to be. Here’s to many delicious dinners ahead!
Print
Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This easy shrimp stir fry recipe is a quick and delicious meal featuring sautéed shrimp with a medley of fresh vegetables in a flavorful homemade stir fry sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it combines tender shrimp, crunchy broccoli, mushrooms, red pepper, and aromatic garlic and ginger, all coated in a rich and slightly sweet soy-based sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Cooking Fat
- 1 lb raw shrimp
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, quartered
- 1/3 red pepper, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups medium broccoli florets
- 3 Tbsp garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, grated
Stir Fry Sauce
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sriracha sauce (or hot sauce)
Optional Garnishes
- Green onion, optional
- Sesame seed, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the finely chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
- Cook Vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of butter, broccoli florets, quartered mushrooms, and cubed red pepper to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables reach your desired level of tenderness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds to release their flavors without burning.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and sriracha sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and cook over medium heat while stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly.
- Combine and Reheat: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to reheat them and combine with the sauce and vegetables.
- Serve: Optionally garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish warm.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand to customize this stir fry.
