Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry
A quick, vibrant skillet meal combining tender shrimp with crisp mixed vegetables, perfect for fast family dinners.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined Use medium or large shrimp for best texture; thaw fully if frozen
Vegetables
- 2 cups Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots) Use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables; chop uniformly for even cooking
Sauces and Condiments
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt, or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon Chili sauce Adjust to taste; sriracha or sambal oelek both work well
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (optional) Use to thicken sauce; mix with equal water before adding
Aromatics
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Substitute garlic paste if preferred; add later to avoid burning
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced Use fresh ginger for brightness; ground ginger offers milder flavor
Oils
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil Use neutral oil with high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed
Seasonings
- to taste Salt and pepper Season lightly because soy sauce contributes significant salt
For Serving
- to serve Cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice Choose preferred base for calories or dietary needs
Instructions
Preparation
- Measure all ingredients and slice vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces before heating the pan.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure quick searing.
- Mix soy sauce, chili sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl if using the thickening option.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add garlic and ginger to the hot oil and sauté for thirty seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about two to three minutes total.
Stir-Fry
- Toss in mixed vegetables and stir-fry vigorously for three to five minutes until crisp-tender throughout.
- Pour the prepared sauce over shrimp and vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional one to two minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve immediately over your chosen base.
Notes
Dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking to obtain a proper sear and avoid steaming the seafood. Use a very hot pan and keep ingredients moving to achieve quick caramelization without burning aromatics.