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Quick Crispy Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry

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A quick and easy stir-fry recipe featuring crispy shrimp coated in cornstarch and fresh crunchy vegetables, perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed recommended)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • A handful of fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp thoroughly. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch to coat evenly. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Slice the red bell pepper thinly, julienne the carrot, trim the snap peas, slice the green onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  4. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook without moving for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp on the underside. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and firm. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender but crisp.
  7. Return shrimp to the pan. Pour sauce over everything and toss gently to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
  8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite grain.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming shrimp. Use high smoke-point oil like vegetable or grapeseed oil. Cook shrimp quickly over high heat to avoid toughness. Sauce can be adjusted with a splash of water or broth if too thick. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp stir-fry, crispy shrimp, quick dinner, healthy stir-fry, easy shrimp recipe, vegetable stir-fry, weeknight dinner