Shrimp stir fry is like a quick dance in the kitchen—swift, lively, and oh-so-rewarding. Imagine tossing vibrant veggies and succulent shrimp in a sizzling pan—it’s a melody of flavors that never fails to uplift my mood after a long day. And while you might think you need a culinary degree to nail it, trust me, it’s all about the rhythm and a little sprinkle of love.
Steps
- Prepare all your ingredients in advance to ensure a smooth cooking process. Cut the vegetables to uniform sizes to ensure even cooking, especially the broccoli.
- Heat olive oil in a large wok or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- In the same skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas, cooking for about 7 minutes and stirring often until they are tender yet crisp. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet, tossing to coat the vegetables.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and cook everything together, tossing frequently, for about 2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce thickens, coating all ingredients.
Ingredients
- fry recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 small head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces of sugar snap peas
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped peeled ginger
- 1/2 cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
FAQ
- Can I use different vegetables in the shrimp stir-fry?
- Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible when it comes to vegetables. While it suggests broccoli, sugar snap peas, and red pepper, you can use any vegetables you have on hand or prefer, such as cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus.
- What type of shrimp should I use for the stir-fry?
- The recipe works well with large shrimp, either fresh or thawed from frozen. However, you can use any size shrimp from medium to jumbo according to your preference.
- How should I store leftover shrimp stir-fry?
- Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute increments at medium power.
- Why is it important to prep ingredients before cooking?
- Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique, so having all your ingredients prepared and ready to go before you start is crucial. This ensures a smooth cooking process without any delays.
- What can I serve with shrimp stir-fry?
- Serving the stir-fry over a bed of freshly cooked rice is a great option. The rice helps to soak up the flavorful sauce, making the dish more satisfying.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Since stir-frying is a quick cooking method, ensure all your ingredients, including the sauce, are prepped and ready before you start cooking. This will make the process smoother and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
- Experiment with Vegetables: While this recipe suggests broccoli, sugar snap peas, and red pepper, feel free to swap in other vegetables based on availability or preference. Options like cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus can add variety and keep the dish interesting.
- Use the Right Equipment: Although a traditional wok is ideal for stir-frying, a cast-iron skillet can be a great alternative for achieving a similar high-heat cooking effect at home.
- Reheat Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave on medium power in one-minute bursts to maintain the texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet or wok: Essential for achieving the high heat needed for stir-frying.
- Small mixing bowl: Useful for whisking together the sauce ingredients.
- Whisk: Needed for mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
