Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe in 5 Easy Steps

Name: Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Shrimp, large, peeled & deveined; 2 cups Broccoli florets; 1 large Red bell pepper (sliced, adds natural sweetness); 1 med Zucchini (sliced, keeps dish light and fresh); 1 cup Snap peas (For crunch); 3 med Carrots (julienned, adds color and nutrients); 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated); 3 stalks Green onions (chopped); 3 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos); 2 tbsp Oyster sauce (Adds rich umami depth); 1 tbsp Rice vinegar (Balances flavors); 1 tsp Sesame oil (Asian aroma); 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (For cooking); 1 tsp Cornstarch (For thickening sauce); to taste Red pepper flakes (Optional, for heat)

Creating a delicious Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe doesn't require fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen. This colorful, nutritious meal combines succulent shrimp with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce that comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.

This Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe is a quick and wholesome dinner option that combines lean protein from shrimp with nutrient-rich vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal. Light yet filling, it’s designed to nourish without feeling heavy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Best of all, its simplicity ensures that even beginner cooks can prepare it with confidence, bringing a flavorful, homemade dish to the table in just minutes.

Homemade Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe with colorful vegetables in a white bowl, photographed from above on a white kitchen counter.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Weeknight Hero

This Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between healthy eating and satisfying flavors. Unlike many stir-fry dishes that can be heavy or greasy, this version keeps things light while still delivering that signature umami taste we all crave. The combination of tender shrimp and crisp vegetables creates a delightful textural contrast that makes every bite interesting.

What truly sets this Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe apart is its adaptability to different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're following a low-carb lifestyle, trying to eat more vegetables, or simply looking for a quick protein-packed meal, this recipe fits seamlessly into your routine. The cooking method preserves the natural sweetness of the vegetables while allowing the shrimp to develop that perfect golden exterior we all love in restaurant-style stir-fries.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Expert Cooking Tips
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment Recommendations
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Grandma's Secret That Changes Everything
FAQ
More Delicious Weeknight Winners
Related
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Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe

Ingredients

Fresh Proteins and Vegetables

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Broccoli florets
Red bell pepper, sliced
Zucchini, sliced
Snap peas
Carrots, julienned

Aromatic Base and Sauce

Salt and pepper for seasoning
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Green onions, chopped
Low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
Oyster sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil for cooking
Cornstarch
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Fresh shrimp and chopped vegetables arranged on a white kitchen counter, ready for stir fry.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Cut all vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
Have everything ready before you start cooking since stir-frying happens fast.

Cook the Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside (they'll finish cooking later).
Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for best results.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables with Precision

Add remaining oil to the same pan and heat until shimmering.
Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add harder vegetables first (carrots, broccoli) and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add softer vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas) and cook 2 more minutes.
Keep vegetables moving constantly to prevent burning while maintaining that perfect crunch.

Combine and Finish with Restaurant-Style Flair

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Return cooked shrimp to the pan with vegetables.
Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss quickly.
Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature Control is Everything Keep your heat at medium-high throughout the cooking process. Too low and your vegetables will steam instead of getting that perfect stir-fry texture. Too high and you risk burning the garlic and ginger.
The Secret to Perfect Shrimp Never overcook your shrimp; they should be pink and slightly curled but still tender. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and unpleasant.
Vegetable Timing Matters Add vegetables in order of cooking time needed. Dense vegetables like carrots and broccoli go first, while delicate ones like snap peas go last.
Sauce Application Technique Push all ingredients to one side of the pan, add sauce to the empty space, let it bubble for a few seconds, then toss everything together.
Prep Work Makes Perfect Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast, and there's no time to prep once you begin.
Oil Temperature Test The oil is ready when a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact with the pan surface.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

For those following specific dietary plans, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully. Create a low-carb version by serving over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. The flavors remain just as satisfying while keeping carbs minimal.
Gluten-free adaptations work perfectly by substituting soy sauce with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari. The taste difference is minimal, but the dietary benefits are significant for those with sensitivities.

Protein and Vegetable Swaps

Alternative proteins work wonderfully in this framework. Try chicken breast, tofu, or even scallops using the same basic technique. Cooking times may vary slightly, but the core method remains the same.
Seasonal vegetable options keep this recipe fresh year-round. Spring calls for asparagus and baby corn, while winter might feature Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. The key is maintaining similar cooking times and textures.

Flavor Profile Changes

Asian-inspired variations can include adding fresh basil for Thai flavors, or miso paste for Japanese influence. Each brings its own unique character to the basic Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe framework.
Heat level adjustments range from mild (omit red pepper flakes) to spicy (add fresh chilies or sriracha to the sauce). Customize based on your family's preferences.

Equipment Recommendations

Large Wok or Heavy Skillet is essential for proper heat distribution and space to move ingredients around without overcrowding. A 12-inch size works best for most families.
Sharp Chef's Knife makes prep work faster and safer. Clean cuts on vegetables ensure even cooking throughout your Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe.
Cutting Board Set helps prevent cross-contamination between proteins and vegetables. Use separate boards for raw shrimp and fresh vegetables.
Small Prep Bowls keep ingredients organized and ready for the fast-paced cooking process. Having everything measured and accessible is crucial.
Long-Handled Spatula or Wooden Spoon allows you to toss ingredients safely without burning your hands on the hot pan.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover stir-fry in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more depth overnight, making leftovers incredibly tasty.

Freezing Guidelines

While fresh is best, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Note that vegetables may lose some crispness, but the flavors remain intact.

Reheating Methods

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture retention. Microwave reheating works but may make vegetables softer than ideal.

Meal Prep Strategy

Prep all vegetables and sauce on Sunday, then quick-cook fresh shrimp each night. This approach gives you the convenience of meal prep with the quality of fresh cooking. Your Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe becomes a 10-minute weeknight solution.

Grandma's Secret That Changes Everything

Here's the game-changing secret that transforms an ordinary stir-fry into something extraordinary: let your shrimp marinate in a tiny bit of cornstarch and salt for just 10 minutes before cooking. This simple step, passed down through generations of Asian home cooks, creates a protective coating that keeps shrimp incredibly tender while developing that coveted golden exterior. The cornstarch also helps the sauce cling better to every piece of shrimp in your Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe.

The second secret involves your vegetables and timing. Instead of adding all vegetables at once, create what I call "cooking waves." Start with the densest vegetables and add others in 30-second intervals. This technique ensures every vegetable reaches its perfect doneness simultaneously. Your Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe will have restaurant-quality texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

FAQ

What vegetables go in a shrimp stir fry?

The best vegetables for a Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe include broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Choose vegetables with similar cooking times and vibrant colors for the most appealing results.

Can I cook shrimp and veggies together?

While possible, cooking shrimp separately first ensures perfect texture for both components. Shrimp cook much faster than most vegetables, so adding them back at the end prevents overcooking in your Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe.

What is the secret ingredient in stir fry?

The secret ingredient is often sesame oil added at the end of cooking. This aromatic oil provides that distinctive Asian restaurant flavor that makes homemade Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe taste professionally prepared.

What are common mistakes when stir frying shrimp?

The biggest mistakes include overcooking the shrimp, using too low heat, and overcrowding the pan. These errors result in rubbery shrimp and soggy vegetables instead of the crisp, tender results your Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe should deliver.

More Delicious Weeknight Winners

Now that you've mastered this incredible stir-fry technique, your kitchen confidence is probably soaring. The skills you've developed with this Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe translate beautifully to other quick, healthy meals that your family will absolutely love. The high-heat cooking method and flavor-building techniques work perfectly for creating restaurant-quality dinners at home.

Ready to expand your weeknight repertoire? Try our Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe for another protein-packed option that uses similar timing principles, or explore our Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe for a heartier comfort food approach. Both recipes build on the foundation you've established with this Shrimp Stir Fry with Veggies recipe, making weeknight cooking easier and more delicious than ever before.

Happy cooking & see you in the next recipe!
By Lisa Johnson 🌸

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