How to Make the Perfect Shrimp Stir Fry
Asian · Easy · 20 min · 2 servings
A fast and vibrant shrimp stir fry loaded with colorful vegetables and a savory ginger soy sauce. Everything comes together in one pan in under 20 minutes for a complete high protein meal.
Why this recipe works
This Shrimp Stir Fry recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 whole red bell pepper sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the sauce and ingredients
Whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch and two tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels as moisture will prevent proper browning in the pan.
Step 2: Heat the wok or skillet
Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until it is very hot and just beginning to smoke. Add sesame oil and swirl to coat the surface. High heat is essential for proper stir fry texture.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 90 seconds until pink on the bottom. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 60 seconds. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir fry the vegetables
In the same pan add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly. Add broccoli and bell pepper and stir fry on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp with some charred edges.
Step 5: Combine and finish
Return the shrimp to the pan and pour the sauce over everything. Toss well and cook for one more minute until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients. Serve immediately over rice or cauliflower rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- shrimp → chicken breast sliced thin or firm tofu cubed for a vegetarian option
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten-free lower sodium alternative
- broccoli → snap peas, bok choy or any firm vegetable you have on hand
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding wet shrimp to the pan which causes steaming and prevents that desirable golden sear
- Using a pan that is not hot enough which makes vegetables go soft and limp instead of staying crisp
- Overcrowding the pan with too many ingredients which drops the temperature and ruins the stir fry texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 38g protein, 18g carbs, 10g fat, 4g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →