This delightful dish bursts with flavor and color, making each bite an exciting experience. Just imagine tender shrimp sizzling with vibrant veggies, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.

Whenever I prepare this shrimp stir fry for friends or family, their faces light up with anticipation. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that brings everyone together around the table—enjoying laughter and delicious food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This shrimp stir fry is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Packed with flavor from fresh ingredients, it’s visually stunning on any plate.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for endless variations.
- It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste.
I once made this dish for a dinner party where everyone went back for seconds—it was a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor; fresh or frozen works well here.
- Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red and green bell peppers to add color and sweetness; they should be firm and glossy.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds crunch; look for tight florets without yellowing for optimal freshness.
- Carrots: Use fresh carrots sliced thinly for even cooking; they add sweetness and a lovely color contrast.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers bold flavor; choose firm cloves to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; peel and mince it finely to release its spicy aroma during cooking.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep flavors balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil provides a nutty finish that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness as a garnish; use both white and green parts for visual appeal.
- Cooked Rice or Noodles: Serve over rice or noodles as a hearty base; choose your favorite type according to preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing all vegetables thoroughly. Slice bell peppers into strips, chop broccoli into florets, and julienne carrots into thin matchsticks.
Heat Things Up: In a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until shimmering. The right temperature ensures everything cooks quickly without steaming.
Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and ginger when the oil is hot. Sauté until fragrant—around 30 seconds—without burning them because nobody likes bitter garlic!
Cook the Shrimp: Add your shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes—flipping halfway through so they cook evenly.
Add Veggies: Introduce your colorful veggies into the pan next. Stir-fry them vigorously for about 5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp but still vibrant.
Add Sauce & Serve: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil over everything. Toss well to combine flavors before serving hot over cooked rice or noodles for maximum enjoyment!
Cooking this shrimp stir fry not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also creates an inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone to gather around the table! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
You Must Know
- Using fresh shrimp enhances flavor and texture, making your stir fry truly delightful.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; allow the shrimp to sear for that perfect caramelization.
- A mix of colorful vegetables not only looks great but also adds essential nutrients and crunch.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping all ingredients—chop veggies, marinate shrimp, and have everything ready. Sear the shrimp first until they turn pink, then cook the vegetables in the same pan for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if you prefer! Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce to give your dish a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover shrimp stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that iconic smoky flavor.
- Use only enough oil to coat the pan; too much can make it greasy.
- Scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan while cooking for added depth and richness.
- Cooking shrimp is a fine art, and I’ve learned that undercooking is better than overcooking; trust me on this!
When I first made shrimp stir fry for friends, they raved about it! It felt great to impress them with such a simple yet delicious dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp in my stir fry?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even heat distribution.
What vegetables work best in shrimp stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add color and crunch to your dish.
How can I make my shrimp more flavorful?
Marinating shrimp in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce elevates their taste immensely.
Shrimp Stir Fry
A quick and colorful dish featuring tender shrimp and vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a delicious blend of flavors that will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 fresh carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cooked rice or noodles (to serve)
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all vegetables: slice bell peppers, chop broccoli, and julienne carrots.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, flipping halfway through.
- Add the vegetables to the pan; stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything well before serving over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
- Experiment with sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for unique flavors.
- Use high heat to achieve that signature smoky flavor while stir-frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg