Introduction
Transform humble shrimp and everyday veggies into a flavor-packed, high-protein stir-fry in under 30 minutes! This recipe is your weeknight warrior, proving that healthy and delicious doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy cooks who crave satisfying meals without the fuss.
Why This Works
This recipe delivers a powerful punch of flavor with minimal effort. The blend of spicy chili garlic sauce, fragrant ginger, and juicy shrimp creates a symphony of taste that’s both exciting and comforting. It’s quick, adaptable, and effortlessly elevates simple ingredients. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you energized throughout your day!
Key Ingredients
🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🌶️ 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
生姜 1 inch ginger, minced
🥦 1 cup broccoli florets
🥕 1 cup shredded carrots
🫑 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
🧅 ½ cup thinly sliced onion
🌱 2 tablespoons soy sauce
🥄 1 tablespoon sesame oil
🍚 Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2️⃣ Stir-Fry the Veggies: Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3️⃣ Add the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger; stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Spice It Up: Stir in the chili garlic sauce and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.
5️⃣ Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
6️⃣ Sauce It: Pour in the soy sauce, toss to coat everything evenly, and cook for another minute.
7️⃣ Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-cut veggies to save even more time!
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a little soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is crucial for this recipe. High heat ensures the shrimp cooks quickly and prevents it from becoming rubbery. Medium heat allows the vegetables to soften without burning. Adjust accordingly based on your stove’s heat intensity.
Crunch Factor
The slight crunch of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp, creating a delightful textural experience. Don’t overcook the veggies; slightly crisp-tender is ideal.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick weeknight meal later.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a bright, citrusy finish.
- Toss in some snow peas or snap peas during the last minute of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This stir-fry isn’t typically given as a gift, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp: Substitute lemon juice for the soy sauce and add extra garlic.
🌟 Peanut Butter Shrimp: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter along with the soy sauce.
🌟 Sweet Chili Shrimp: Swap the chili garlic sauce for sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor.
🌟 Spicy Kimchi Shrimp: Add ½ cup of kimchi during the last few minutes of cooking for a fermented kick.
Troubleshooting
- Shrimp is overcooked: Reduce the heat and cook for a shorter time. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
- Vegetables are mushy: Don’t overcrowd the wok and maintain medium-high heat to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry is too dry: Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp? A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Q: Can I use other vegetables? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make? A: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time.
Conclusion
This Speedy Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry is your go-to recipe for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult! Share your creations and tag us – we can’t wait to see your delicious results!
30-Minute Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry: High Protein, Big Flavor
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a spicy sauce, perfect for a high-protein meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and sriracha. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Add garlic and ginger, sautu00e9ing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mixed bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the remaining soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips
- For extra spice, adjust the amount of sriracha to your taste.
- Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you prefer, such as carrots or zucchini.