Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Let me tell you, this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for those busy weeknights when I want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and feels a bit fancy without the fuss—perfect for when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and speedy. You’ll find that the combination of butter, garlic, and ginger brings a richness to the dish that really elevates simple shrimp and veggies.

What I love most about this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re a veggie lover or someone who craves a touch of heat, the sauce and mix-ins can easily be customized. When I first tried it, I was surprised at how the stir fry sauce thickens up just right, coating everything beautifully—it’s those kind of small wins in the kitchen that keep me making this recipe over and over.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work beautifully together to keep the dish light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. I usually find that having fresh garlic and ginger really makes a difference, so don’t skip those!

• Raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce nicely—fresh or thawed frozen works great.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps develop that lovely, slightly caramelized flavor during cooking.
• Olive oil: Keeps everything from sticking and helps brown the ingredients evenly.
• Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the dish and adds subtle sweetness.
• Mushrooms: Quartered to cook evenly—brown mushrooms work well for me, but button mushrooms are fine too.
• Red pepper: Just a bit cubed for a pop of color and crispness.
• Broccoli florets: Choose medium-sized pieces so they cook quickly without losing their crunch.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings punchy aroma and flavor.
• Ginger: Grated fresh ginger gives that lovely zing that makes stir fry so addictive.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce, enhancing the dish’s depth.
• Soy sauce: Brings salty, umami goodness to the stir fry sauce.
• Honey: Balances the saltiness with a natural sweetness—feel free to adjust to taste.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to shrimp and veggies.
• Sriracha sauce: Adds just a hint of heat—optional, but I highly recommend it!
• Green onion (optional): For garnish and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Sesame seeds (optional): Toasted on top for a little extra crunch and nuttiness.

Variations

I love making this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe my own by mixing up the veggies or bumping the spice level to keep things interesting. Feel free to get creative with whatever’s in your fridge!

• Veggie swaps: Sometimes I swap the broccoli for snap peas or asparagus, and honestly, it’s fantastic every time.
• Spicy twist: Adding extra sriracha or even a splash of chili garlic sauce gives the stir fry a fiery kick that my family digs.
• Protein swap: If shrimp’s not your thing, chicken or tofu can be used with just slight tweaks to cooking time.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version that tastes just as good.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp to Perfection

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and just cooked through. Don’t overcook them—shrimp can get rubbery fast, so keep an eye on color and texture. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Build Layers of Flavor with Onions and Veggies

In the same skillet, toss in another tablespoon each of butter and oil, then add the chopped onion. Let it cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent—this is where the flavor starts to develop. Next, add the remaining butter along with the broccoli, mushrooms, and red pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies reach your preferred tenderness. I like leaving the broccoli a bit crisp for that satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Prepare the Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them cook for about 30 seconds. This quick step releases their full aroma without burning them. Meanwhile, mix together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and sriracha sauce in a small bowl to prepare the stir fry sauce. Pour this mixture over the veggies and cook over medium heat—keep stirring—until the sauce thickens up and coats everything in that gorgeous, glossy glaze.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with the Shrimp

Last but not least, return the shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to reheat them in the sauce for just one to two minutes. This final step melds all the flavors, and you’ll see that irresistible shine on the shrimp and veggies. Once everything’s hot and ready, it’s time to plate up and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this stir fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions—they add a fresh crunch and make it look so pretty. Sometimes I toss on a few red chili flakes if we want extra heat. These simple touches turn a quick dinner into something special.

Side Dishes

This shrimp stir fry goes perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. I also like pairing it with some quick garlic noodles or even a crunchy Asian slaw for a fun textural contrast. If you’re feeling low-carb, cauliflower rice works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this in a large, colorful platter with lime wedges on the side and fresh cilantro for a vibrant look. You can also serve it over steamed rice in individual bowls topped with extra sliced green onions and a drizzle of chili oil—guaranteed to impress your guests with minimal effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays fresh for up to three days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the flavors and texture intact. When I reheat it, the shrimp holds up surprisingly well.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t recommend freezing shrimp stir fry because the shrimp can get a bit tough and veggies turn mushy after thawing. Instead, I prefer making just the right amount or enjoying leftovers within a couple of days. But if you must freeze, do so quickly and thaw gently in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using a skillet over medium heat to warm up the stir fry gently. This method helps keep the shrimp tender and the veggies crisp-ish. Microwaving works too, but watch the time carefully to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe feels like a little celebration on a plate without any of the stress. It’s been my go-to when I want to impress family or treat myself after a long day. I hope you enjoy cooking and eating it as much as I do—give it a try and make it your own, because once you find your favorite veggie combo and perfect sauce balance, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

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