
Got a craving for something delicious but short on time? Whip up this Simple Shrimp Stir Fry. It’s healthy, packed with goodness, and dinner gets done before the kids ask for snacks. The shrimp come out plump and juicy, not rubbery at all. Veggies add a fun crunch and loads of color. The whole thing is tied together with a lick-the-bowl sauce you'll want more of.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil: This keeps everything from sticking and makes sure your shrimp and veggies don't dry out in the pan.
- 1 cup snow peas: Brings a sweet snap and refreshing crunch with every bite.
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced: Tosses in cheery color and gentle sweetness that pairs awesome with shrimp.
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined): Shrimp soak up all the flavors and cook super fast—definitely center stage here!
- 6 mushrooms, sliced: Mushrooms add a hearty, earthy taste that makes the meal feel extra satisfying.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Gives a bold, tasty punch that lifts all the other flavors up.
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped: Puts some zing in the dish and makes everything taste brighter.
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens things up so the sauce clings to every veggie and shrimp.
- Juice of 1 lime: Squeezes in sharp, tangy flavor to lighten up the sticky sauce.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Packs in umami and layers in depth for a magic touch.
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce: Delivers deep color and a salty boost.
- 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar: Brings the sweet to balance out the savory and tangy notes.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Just a splash for a toasty finish and nutty scent.
- 1 tbsp water: Helps mix the cornstarch nicely so nothing's clumpy.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Cuts the richness with a bit of bright acidity.
VARIATIONS
- Peanut or Cashew Crunch: Stir in nuts at the finish for extra bite and flavor.
- Boost the Heat: Drizzle sriracha or some chili flakes into the sauce if you love it spicy.
- Low-Carb Noodles: Skip rice, serve this over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to keep carbs low.
- Go Meatless: Swap in tofu or pile on more mushrooms if that's your style.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 7:
- Scoop everything out onto plates—go ahead and eat it with hot rice if you want the classic dinner.
- Step 6:
- Bring the shrimp you set aside back into the pan. Mix it all up so every shrimp gets saucy.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the sauce you made earlier. Let it bubble for a minute or two till things thicken slightly and coat the veggies.
- Step 4:
- Toss in bell pepper, mushrooms, and snow peas. Move them around for about 2–3 minutes so they stay a bit crunchy.
- Step 3:
- Now, with the same pan, add the rest of the oil, plus garlic and ginger. Give it a good stir for half a minute till you can really smell it.
- Step 2:
- Heat up half the oil in your biggest frying pan on medium-high. Toss in the shrimp. Once they go pink (just a couple minutes), scoop them out and set them aside.
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, lime, vinegar, sugar, oil, cornstarch, and water. Leave it aside for now.
Serving and Storage Tips
- If you want a healthier twist, lay it out over salad greens and a drizzle of leftover sauce.
- Make your week easier—prep the shrimp and sauce ahead. Toss them into the pan with fresh veggies for super fast lunches later.
- Store any extras in a covered container in the fridge—good for up to two days. Reheat in the pan with a splash of water to keep things saucy.
- Serve it over hot noodles or classic steamed rice. Steamed veggies on the side are awesome too for more crunch.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Jamie Oliver: "Fresh ginger and garlic really lift this from okay to awesome. Don’t leave them out—they make such a difference!"
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Watch your shrimp—if you cook them too long, they’ll get chewy. Two to three minutes is plenty!"
- Chef Rachael Ray: "Mix up your sauce before you start and chill it. Makes throwing dinner together a breeze!"