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A colorful and simple shrimp stir fry with various vegetables in a pan.

Classic Simple Shrimp Stir Fry

This classic simple shrimp stir fry is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender shrimp and crisp-tender vegetables are tossed in a savory sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 0.5 tsp cornstarch (helps create a light coating and keeps shrimp tender)
  • black pepper Pinch
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (e.g., vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated or minced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper large (any color), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets or snap peas
  • 1 cup carrots thinly sliced or julienned
  • 0.5 onion thinly sliced (optional)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth, or use a vegetarian alternative)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 0.5 tsp sesame oil
Optional Garnishes
  • sesame seeds
  • chopped green onions
  • red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Wok or Large Skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper, then toss gently to coat and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp water/broth, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar/honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp sesame oil until smooth, then set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot wok in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the wok, then add minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced carrots and broccoli (or other harder veggies) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to become crisp-tender.
  5. Add the sliced bell pepper and onions (if using, and other softer veggies) and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until all vegetables are bright and tender-crisp.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the wok with the vegetables, re-whisk the sauce, and pour it over the shrimp and vegetables.
  7. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats everything, then remove from heat once desired consistency is reached and everything is heated through.
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes if desired, and then serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 15-20 minutes. Adjust the amount of spice by adding more red pepper flakes.