Experience the lively flavors of Asian cuisine with our Shrimp Stir Fry recipe. Filled with tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a delicious homemade sauce, this dish is a feast of flavors. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it's a wholesome, quick meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
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Whether it's for a speedy weeknight dinner or a tasty addition to your menu, our Shrimp Stir Fry is a delightful choice for any occasion.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this delightful Shrimp Stir Fry, you'll need ingredients that are easily accessible at most Asian grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
Sauce Ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: Use a combination of regular and dark soy sauce. The dark soy sauce imparts a deep color and a richer taste, while regular soy sauce enhances the overall savory flavor.
- Chili Sauce: This adds a spicy dimension to the dish. If unavailable, sriracha or any hot sauce can be used as an alternative to achieve a similar heat.
- Chicken Stock/Broth: Choose low-sodium options to maintain a balanced flavor profile and avoid overly salty results.
- Vinegar: Preferably rice vinegar for its subtle sweetness, but regular vinegar is an acceptable substitute, offering a tangy edge.
- Brown Sugar and Honey: These natural sweeteners counterbalance the spiciness and acidity, creating a harmonious flavor.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to the shrimp and vegetables.
Ingredients for Shrimp Stir Fry:
- Shrimp: You can choose between fresh or thawed frozen shrimp/prawns. Ensure they're brought to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Veggies: A colorful combination of broccoli, bell pepper, and spring onions adds vibrancy and a range of flavors. Feel free to include your favorite vegetables to tailor the dish to your liking.
- Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic are crucial for their pungent aroma and depth of flavor, significantly enhancing the overall taste of the stir fry.
- Oil: Traditional recipes often use sesame or soybean oil for their distinctive flavors, but you can opt for any cooking oil you prefer.
- Chili Flakes and Black Pepper: These spices introduce the necessary heat, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
How to Make Shrimp Stir Fry at Home?
Begin your culinary adventure with our Shrimp Stir Fry. Follow our photo and video guide for simple steps on preparing the stir fry sauce, frying the shrimp, and assembling the stir fry to perfection. Let's get cooking:
Explore More Flavor Bursting Stir Fries:
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Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients
For Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Chili Sauce, or adjust according to heat preference
- 1 tbsp Vinegar, rice or regular vinegar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Honey
For Seasoning Shrimp
- 1½ lb Shrimp, cleaned, or prawns
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, ground
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch, for coating shrimp
- Salt, as needed
For Shallow Frying Shrimp
- 3 tbsp Oil
For Shrimp Stir Fry
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 tbsp Ginger, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 2 cups Broccoli, small florets
- ¼ cup Red Bell Pepper, sliced
- ¼ cup Yellow Bell Pepper, sliced
For Garnishing
- ¼ cup Spring Onion, cut lengthwise
- Sesame Seeds, to garnish, white or black
Instructions
To Prepare the Sauce
- Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients mentioned in the list to make the sauce. Add them to a bowl and mix well. Once the ingredients are thoroughly combined, set the sauce aside for later use.
To Season Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine the cleaned shrimp with black pepper, salt, and cornstarch. Be sure to mix thoroughly until the shrimp is evenly coated with the mixture, infusing it with flavor.
To Shallow Fry Shrimp
- Begin by heating a frying pan over medium heat and adding oil. Carefully place the shrimp into the pan one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Fry the shrimp for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn pink. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become tough and rubbery.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oil and set them aside for later use. Note that while I've used a frying pan for shallow-frying, you can also opt for a wok to create a one-pan dish.
To Make Shrimp Stir Fry
- In a hot wok over high heat, add oil. As the oil heats up, add the ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté this mix until it becomes fragrant, releasing their flavors into the dish.
- Add the broccoli and stir-fry it until it reaches that delightful balance of crispiness and tenderness. When it's just right, introduce the bell peppers and stir-fry for about 40 to 50 seconds. Optionally, season the veggies with a pinch of salt for added flavor.
- Pour the stir-fry sauce into the wok, ensuring it envelops all the ingredients in a flavorful embrace. Let the sauce gently simmer, and as it does, you'll notice it thickening slightly.
- Gently place the shallow fried shrimp into the wok and give it a good stir. Allow the shrimp to mingle with the other ingredients, soaking up the savory flavors of the stir-fry sauce and creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
- Finally, add fresh spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to elevate color and presentation. When everything is perfectly combined, remove the wok from the heat. Your mouthwatering shrimp stir-fry is ready to enjoy!
To Serve
- Serve your shrimp stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. For more pairing ideas, refer to the Serving Suggestions section.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Preparation and Cooking Techniques:
- Selecting Shrimp/Prawns: Opt for either fresh or frozen varieties. If frozen, thoroughly thaw them to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
- Preparation Strategy: As stir-frying is a quick process, prepping all ingredients in advance is crucial. This not only speeds up your cooking but also helps in maintaining the crisp texture of the veggies and the tenderness of the shrimp.
- Vegetable Variety: While the recipe uses broccoli and bell peppers, incorporating a range of your favorite vegetables can boost both the nutritional value and the visual appeal of the dish.
- Customize the Heat: Tailor the spiciness to your preference. The recipe's default setting is moderately spicy, but adjusting the amounts of chili sauce, flakes, and black pepper lets you control the heat level, making the dish suitable for everyone at the table.
- Stir-Frying Technique: High heat is key in stir-frying to achieve the characteristic sear while keeping the veggies crisp and shrimp succulent. Keep the ingredients moving in the pan to avoid burning.
Flavor Balance and Serving:
- Sauce Consistency: When preparing the stir-fry sauce, consider the consistency you prefer. Use cornstarch to thicken it if you like a richer, more clingy sauce. Adjust the amount based on how thick or thin you want your sauce.
- Shrimp Size and Cooking Time: Choose shrimp that are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be pink and slightly opaque when done.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings as needed. The harmony between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy is crucial in Asian cooking. A little extra dash of salt or sugar can make a big difference.
- Cookware Consideration: A wok is ideal for this recipe. If unavailable, a large skillet is a suitable alternative. Choose one that heats evenly and provides enough room for easy stirring, ensuring a well-cooked and flavorful stir-fry.
- Serve Hot: Serve the stir fry immediately for the best texture and flavor. If accompanied by rice or noodles, keep those ready by the time stir fry is done to avoid the dish from getting soggy.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore a world of taste with our diverse collection of stir fry recipes, shrimp recipes, and Asian-inspired dishes. Our collection caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, offering something for everyone to savor.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice Varieties: Opt for a classic bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or try fried rice for a more indulgent pairing. For a healthier alternative, brown rice or cauliflower rice are excellent options that pair well with the flavors of the stir fry.
- Noodle Options: Toss the stir fry with cooked noodles like soba, udon, or rice noodles for a hearty meal.
- Side Dishes: Complement the dish with sides such as steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad to add variety.
- Soups: Opt for a light and flavorful Miso Soup for a delicate balance, or choose a tangy and spicy Hot and Sour Soup to add contrast and depth to your meal.
Storage Suggestions
Ideally, enjoy stir-fried dishes hot and fresh. For leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a day. Reheat using a microwave or stovetop for optimal taste when serving again.
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