Go Back
Spicy shrimp and vegetable stir-fry in a colorful dish

Spicy Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry

A quick, vibrant skillet meal combining tender shrimp with crisp mixed vegetables, perfect for fast family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 280

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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Measure all ingredients and slice vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces before heating the pan.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure quick searing.
  3. Mix soy sauce, chili sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl if using the thickening option.
Cooking
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add garlic and ginger to the hot oil and sauté for thirty seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about two to three minutes total.
Stir-Fry
  1. Toss in mixed vegetables and stir-fry vigorously for three to five minutes until crisp-tender throughout.
  2. Pour the prepared sauce over shrimp and vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
  3. Cook for an additional one to two minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the ingredients.
  4. 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.