This shrimp stir fry recipe offers a refreshing mix of zucchini noodles and shrimps, tossed with a combination of aromatic spices and a savory sauce. It's not just delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional noodle stir fry. Easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a classy weekend meal.
Some of the ingredients you might need to pick up from the supermarket are fresh ginger, sriracha, and sesame oil. Fresh ginger is important for its unique flavor that can't be replicated with dried ginger. Sriracha is a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It adds some heat to the dish. Sesame oil, with its nutty and aromatic flavor, enhances the overall taste of the stir fry.
Ingredients for Shrimp Stir Fry
Zucchini veggie spirals: These are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional noodles. They soak up the sauce nicely and add a refreshing crunch to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients, it lends a subtle depth of flavor.
Shrimp: The star protein of the dish, they are a great source of lean protein.
Red pepper: Adds a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.
Carrot: Adds a nice crunch and sweetness to balance out the other flavors.
Fresh ginger: Lends a spicy, aromatic flavor that's crucial to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a layer of savory flavor to the stir fry.
Chicken broth: Acts as a liquid base for the sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish.
Brown sugar: Balances out the salty and spicy elements with a hint of sweetness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the stir fry sauce.
Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the stir fry.
Sesame oil: Gives a distinct nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Sesame seeds and scallions: Optional toppings that add texture and flavor.
One reader, Gabriela Montiel says:
This shrimp stir fry recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of shrimp, veggies, and the savory sauce is simply delicious. It's become a regular in my meal rotation, and my family loves it too!
Key Techniques for Making Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
How to prepare zucchini noodles: Follow the package instructions to microwave, boil, or steam the zucchini noodles. Drain well and set aside.
How to cook shrimp: Heat olive oil in a pan, add the shrimp in a single layer, and cook on both sides until pink (about 2-3 minutes). Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate bowl and set aside.
How to make stir fry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, sriracha, and sesame oil to prepare the stir fry sauce. Set aside for later use.
How to thicken the sauce: Increase the heat to high and cook the stir fry until the sauce thickens.
How to serve: Serve the shrimp stir fry topped with sesame seeds and/or scallions, if desired.
How To Make Shrimp Stir Fry
Make your own homemade shrimp stir fry with our easy-to-follow recipe! It comes in a savory sauce to add a bold flavor to your meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4vegetable oil
- 4cupsmixed vegetables
- ¾lbshrimppeeled and deveined
- 2garlic clovesminced
- ½tspfresh gingerfinely chopped or grated
- green onionfor garnish, optional
- sesame seedsfor garnish, optional
For Sauce:
- ½cupchicken brothor water
- 1tbspsoy sauce
- 2tbsphoisin sauce
- 1tspsesame oil
- 1tbspcornstarch
Instructions
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Whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
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Heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat in a wok or frying pan.
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Add shrimp, salt and pepper.
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Cook just for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turns pink.
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Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil over medium high heat.
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Add the vegetables and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender crisp.
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Add the garlic and ginger, then cook for 30 seconds more.
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Stir in the shrimp and sauce, then cook over medium high for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
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Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 661.11kcal
- Fat: 8.29g
- Saturated Fat: 1.86g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.90g
- Carbohydrates: 65.46g
- Fiber: 16.75g
- Sugar: 6.65g
- Protein: 77.03g
- Cholesterol: 572.67mg
- Sodium: 3443.97mg
- Calcium: 368.77mg
- Potassium: 1669.99mg
- Iron: 5.65mg
- Vitamin A: 1926.74µg
- Vitamin C: 38.75mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
When preparing your shrimp, make sure they are completely dry before adding them to the pan. This will ensure they sear properly and don't steam. Also, when adding the stir fry sauce, pour it around the sides of the pan, not directly onto the ingredients. This will allow the sauce to heat up as it comes into contact with the pan, making it thicken more quickly and evenly coat your stir fry.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shrimp Stir Fry
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and prepare the stir fry sauce in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan cooking: Use a large pan or wok to cook the entire dish in one go, minimizing clean-up time.
Frozen shrimp: Opt for pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp to save time on preparation.
Quick cook: Use pre-cut zucchini noodles or other pre-cut vegetables to reduce prep time.
High heat: Cooking at a higher temperature can speed up the stir-frying process, ensuring a quick meal.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
shrimp - Substitute with sliced chicken breast: Chicken breast is a versatile and flavorful alternative to shrimp, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the stir fry sauce well.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a rich umami flavor that complements the other ingredients in the stir fry.
sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil adds a nutty richness similar to sesame oil, enhancing the depth of flavor in the stir fry.
zucchini veggie spirals - Substitute with julienned daikon radish: Daikon radish provides a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for zucchini in the stir fry.
red pepper - Substitute with sliced shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms offer a meaty texture and earthy flavor, adding depth and substance to the stir fry in place of red pepper.
carrot - Substitute with sliced bell pepper: Bell pepper provides a similar crunch and vibrant color, adding a sweet and crisp element to the stir fry in lieu of carrots.
Plating Ideas for a Delightful Shrimp Stir Fry
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: When plating the shrimp stir fry, consider using a combination of vibrant colors and textures to create an eye-catching display. Arrange the zucchini noodles in a neat nest, place the shrimp on top, and artfully scatter the red pepper and carrot strips around the plate for a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate garnishes for added flair: Sprinkle the dish with a delicate touch of sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a subtle contrast in flavors and textures.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Aim for balanced and symmetrical arrangements, ensuring that every element is thoughtfully positioned to create a harmonious and polished presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. By strategically leaving areas of the plate empty, you can draw attention to the vibrant colors and enticing textures of the shrimp stir fry.
Consider the vessel: Select a sophisticated and elegant serving vessel that complements the upscale nature of the dish. Whether it's a sleek, minimalist plate or a stylish bowl, the choice of vessel can elevate the overall dining experience for the discerning palates of Michelin-starred professionals.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Stir Fry
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential kitchen knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used for stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Tongs: A kitchen utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating or shredding ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Small bowl: A small dish used for mixing and preparing small amounts of ingredients.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for heating and cooking food.
Storing and Freezing Shrimp Stir Fry for Later
- Let the shrimp stir fry cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the stir fry, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- When freezing, it's best to store the zucchini noodles separately from the shrimp and vegetables. The noodles tend to release water when thawed, which can make the dish soggy.
- To freeze the zucchini noodles, blanch them first by boiling for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunging them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- The frozen shrimp stir fry (without the noodles) will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, thaw the stir fry and noodles (if frozen) in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the stir fry in a pan or wok over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- For best results, add the thawed zucchini noodles to the reheated stir fry and toss until they are heated through and well-coated with the sauce. This will help prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
How to Reheat Leftover Shrimp Stir Fry
Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help steam the zucchini noodles and prevent them from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave in a covered microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to help keep the shrimp and vegetables moist. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the shrimp may become rubbery.
For a crispy texture, reheat the stir fry in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Spread the leftovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the shrimp and vegetables are heated through and slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, reheat the shrimp stir fry in the basket at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method will help restore some of the crispiness to the vegetables.
To maintain the best texture of the zucchini noodles, reheat them separately from the shrimp and vegetables. Microwave the noodles for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through, then top with the reheated shrimp and vegetable mixture.
Interesting Trivia About Shrimp Stir Fry
Shrimp stir fry is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, and it is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meal.
Is Making Shrimp Stir Fry at Home Cost-Effective?
This shrimp stir fry recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as shrimp, zucchini, and bell peppers, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of simple pantry staples like soy sauce and brown sugar adds flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is Shrimp Stir Fry Healthy or Unhealthy?
The shrimp stir fry recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to its use of nutrient-dense ingredients like zucchini noodles, shrimp, red pepper, and carrots. These ingredients provide a good balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of olive oil, ginger, and garlic also adds healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties to the dish.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar to lower the overall sugar content
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to decrease the sodium levels
- Increase the amount of vegetables to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as chicken breast or tofu, for those looking to reduce their cholesterol intake
To further enhance the nutritional value of this shrimp stir fry, consider the following suggestions:
- Add more colorful vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals
- Incorporate whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like cilantro or red pepper flakes, to add flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar
- Use a healthier cooking method, such as steaming or stir-frying with minimal oil, to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Shrimp Dish
This shrimp stir fry recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of zucchini noodles adds a healthy twist, while the shrimp, red pepper, and carrots provide a colorful and vibrant mix. The stir fry sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements, elevating the dish to a new level. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced cooks. Overall, it's a fantastic option for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Enhance Your Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Shrimp Stir Fry
Why trust this Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring succulent shrimp and vibrant vegetables in a savory stir-fry sauce. The use of fresh ginger and garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth, while the inclusion of sesame oil adds a rich, nutty note. The carefully crafted stir fry sauce strikes a perfect balance of sweet and savory, enhanced by a touch of sriracha for a hint of heat. With a focus on wholesome ingredients and a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.
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