Shrimp Stir Fry Garlicky Ginger

There's something magical about the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot wok, the aroma of garlic and ginger filling your kitchen, and the vibrant colors of crisp vegetables coming together in minutes. This Shrimp Stir-Fry is your answer to busy weeknights when you crave something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With succulent shrimp, a rainbow of crunchy vegetables, and a glossy garlic-ginger sauce that clings to every bite, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just 25 minutes from start to finish.

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What sets this stir-fry apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp cook quickly to tender perfection, while the bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots retain their satisfying crunch. The sauce—a harmonious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar—brings everything together with a sweet-savory glaze that's neither too heavy nor too light. Whether you're cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this Asian-inspired dish promises to become a regular rotation in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small broccoli crown, cut into florets; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed; 3 green onions, sliced
• Sauce: 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional); 2 tsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water
• Aromatics & Oil: 2 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g., canola or peanut); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• Garnish: 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional); Fresh cilantro or green onion tops, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water to make the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrot, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Vegetables

Return shrimp to the pan. Add green onions.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Finish

Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro or extra green onion, if desired. Serve immediately, with steamed rice or noodles if you like.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure your wok or skillet is properly preheated before adding ingredients—this creates that signature stir-fry sear and prevents vegetables from becoming soggy. Pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a better sear and prevent excess moisture in your dish. Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly and you won't have time to chop vegetables once you begin. The cornstarch in the sauce acts as a thickening agent, so whisk it well before adding to prevent lumps. If your sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water; if too thin, let it simmer an extra minute to reduce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile recipe welcomes endless variations to suit your preferences. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili to the aromatics. Substitute shrimp with chicken (thinly sliced breast or thigh) or firm tofu cubes for a different protein option—just adjust cooking times accordingly. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and substitute the oyster sauce with hoisin or a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative. Feel free to swap vegetables based on what's in season or in your refrigerator: zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bok choy all work beautifully. For a spicier kick, add sriracha or sambal oelek to the sauce mixture.

Serviervorschläge

This Shrimp Stir-Fry shines when served over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Rice noodles, lo mein, or soba noodles also make excellent bases for this dish. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor and visual appeal, and add fresh cilantro or extra sliced green onions for brightness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving adds a wonderful citrus note that complements the ginger beautifully. Pair with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.

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This Shrimp Stir-Fry proves that healthy, home-cooked meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its brilliant colors, irresistible aromas, and perfectly balanced flavors, it's a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you're a stir-fry novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. So heat up that wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen—your taste buds will thank you.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute shrimp with other proteins?

Yes, chicken or tofu can be used as alternatives to shrimp for a different variation while keeping the dish vibrant and flavorful.

→ What is the best way to keep vegetables crisp?

Stir-fry vegetables over high heat for a short time to maintain their crunch and bright colors.

→ How can I add heat to the dish?

Include red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chili during cooking for a spicy kick.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the sauces?

Use tamari in place of soy sauce and choose a gluten-free oyster sauce or omit it to keep it gluten-free.

→ What tools are needed for preparation?

A wok or large skillet, cutting board, knife, mixing bowls, and measuring spoons are essential for preparing this dish.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days for best quality and safety.