If you’re craving a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal, this 30-minute spicy shrimp stir fry is perfect for you. Packed with bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and succulent shrimp, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying meal. Best of all, it’s loaded with protein and nutrients, making it a great addition to any balanced diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute meal.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy fats.
Bold Flavors: A delightful mix of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your preference.

30-Minute Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner

Kev

This flavorful shrimp stir fry features succulent shrimp sautéed with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, all tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce made with soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and ginger. The dish is thickened with cornstarch for a glossy finish and served over a bed of fragrant rice. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh herbs, it’s a delicious, customizable meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine asian, stir fry

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

1 lb 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil for added flavor
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 yellow bell pepper sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium carrot julienned
3 cloves garlic minced
1- inch piece of ginger grated
2 green onions chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
1 tsp red pepper flakes optional for extra heat
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening
1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish optional

For Serving:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
Lime wedges optional, for extra zest

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready. Slice the bell peppers, julienne the carrots, chop the green onions, and mince the garlic and ginger. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Make the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sriracha, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch slurry and set it aside.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, and cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften but remain slightly crisp.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over a bed of jasmine or brown rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra zing.

Notes

Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce or increase the sriracha and red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Use Different Proteins: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or beef if desired.

Add More Crunch: Include water chestnuts, snap peas, or cashews for extra texture.

Make It Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.

Health Benefits of Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry

Rich in Protein: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
Packed with Antioxidants: Garlic, ginger, and bell peppers provide powerful antioxidants that boost immunity.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and olive oil contribute to good heart health.
Metabolism Boosting: Spicy ingredients like sriracha and red pepper flakes can help increase metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Cooked stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. You can also microwave it for about a minute, stirring halfway through.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

4. What can I serve with spicy shrimp stir fry?
Steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles work great as a side. You can also serve it with a fresh cucumber salad to balance the heat.

Final Thoughts

This 30-minute spicy shrimp stir fry is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something quick, flavorful, and healthy. The combination of tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a bold, spicy sauce makes it a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it!

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and share your favorite stir-fry variations!