This shrimp stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes with tender shrimp, fresh veggies, and a flavorful homemade sauce. Serve it over rice for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal!
There’s nothing quite like a good stir fry— it’s quick, delicious, and makes eating a ton of veggies so much easier. This shrimp stir fry is loaded with color, crunch, and a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce that clings to every bite.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your back pocket for those nights when you need something healthy but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen! Added bonus: my whole family loves this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & easy – This stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Loaded with veggies – A rainbow of bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli pack in flavor and nutrients.
- Protein-packed – Shrimp is a great lean protein source that cooks in minutes! This dish packs in over 40 grams of protein per serving.
- Customizable – Use your favorite vegetables, swap the protein, or adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Saucy & delicious – The homemade teriyaki-inspired sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and coats everything beautifully.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up this easy shrimp stir fry! Here’s what you’ll need:
- shrimp – the star of the show! I recommend using large, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. They cook quickly and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- vegetables – This recipe is packed with colorful, nutrient-dense veggies! I’m using a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas (or green beans), and onion for a variety of textures and flavors. Feel free to swap in your favorites!
- aromatics – fresh garlic and ginger give this stir fry that signature bold and savory flavor.
- sauce – the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami! A mix of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sriracha or sambal for heat.
- cornstarch (or arrowroot) – helps thicken the sauce, so it clings beautifully to the shrimp and veggies.
- garnishes – a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions add a pop of freshness and crunch. Drizzle with sriracha for extra heat!
- rice – while optional, I love serving this stir fry over cooked white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Recipe Substitutions
- Shrimp alternatives: Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it for chicken, or even thinly sliced beef for a different protein option. You could also try my easy tofu stir-fry or tempeh stir-fry for a vegan meal!
- Veggie swaps: Stir fry is super flexible! Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand. Mushrooms, carrots, baby corn, bok choy, or asparagus would all be great additions.
- Soy sauce alternatives: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. If you’re avoiding soy altogether, try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Stir Fry
Making shrimp stir fry at home is easier than you think! Just six steps stand between you and a fresh, homemade meal.
Step 1: Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the rest of the vegetables and cook for 7–8 minutes until tender but crisp.
Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to coat.
Step 6: Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve!
Brittany’s Tips
- Prep everything before you start: Stir fry comes together fast, so chop your veggies, mix the sauce, and have everything ready to go before turning on the stove.
- Customize the sauce to your taste: If you love a sweeter stir fry, add an extra drizzle of honey. Prefer more tang? A splash of rice vinegar will do the trick. And if you love spice, amp up the sriracha or chili garlic sauce!
- Let the sauce thicken properly: Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) needs a minute to activate. Once you pour the sauce in, stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until it coats the shrimp and veggies in that perfect glossy finish. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
How to Serve Shrimp Stir Fry
This shrimp stir fry is a meal on its own, but you can easily customize how you serve it! Here are some ideas:
- Over rice – A classic! Serve it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- In lettuce wraps – For a light and fresh option, serve the shrimp stir fry in butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a handheld meal.
- With extra protein – Want to bulk it up? Pair it with air fryer tofu, grilled chicken, or even a soft-boiled egg on top.
- As a meal prep option – This makes an amazing meal prep recipe! Pack it in containers with rice or noodles for a quick and easy lunch throughout the week.
- With a side of soup or salad – Pair it with a miso soup or a Asian edamame salad for a complete meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Fridge – Store leftover shrimp stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day!
Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. The microwave also works in a pinch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the stir fry.
This recipe uses bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, snap peas, and onions, but you can swap in mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, or baby corn based on what you have.
Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them! They only need about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan immediately to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Yes, as long as you use tamari! Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so be sure to swap it out if you’re serving anyone with gluten sensitivities.
More Shrimp Recipes to Try
Be sure to check out the full collection of healthy dinner recipes here on EBF!
