Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry

This easy homemade Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry is a delicious Chinese dinner recipe that’s better than takeout. Packed with saucy shrimp, fresh vegetables, and flavorful teriyaki sauce, it’s served over rice for a deliciously homemade and irresistible meal for the whole family.

This Teriyaki shrimp stir fry recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with succulent shrimp and an assortment of colorful vegetables. This delightful dish is perfect for a quick meal on a busy weeknight.

In under 30 minutes, you can cook up a hearty shrimp stir fry that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The enticing aroma of teriyaki sauce fills your kitchen as you prepare this quick and easy meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can experiment with different vegetables and adjust the sauce’s flavors to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry

• Easy to prepare. In just a few minutes in the kitchen, this tasty dish will be ready to serve. With simple ingredients like shrimp, vegetables, and a homemade sweet teriyaki sauce, it doesn’t get much more straightforward than this easy recipe.
• Versatile. You can customize your stir fry by adding a variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and even some snow peas. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of veggies to make it your own.
• A Healthier option. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Shrimp is a great source of protein, while vegetables provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Plus, by making your own teriyaki sauce, you can control the amount of sugar and sodium in the meal.
• Quick cooking time. The best part is that it’s ready to serve in about 25 minutes.

Stir Fry Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil – This will be your cooking oil, perfect for sautéing your shrimp and veggies.
• Raw shrimp – A delicious and nutritious protein source for this flavorful stir fry.
• Snow peas – An excellent addition for crunch and a pop of green color in your dish.
• Broccoli – A nutrient-dense vegetable that complements the shrimp very well.
• Yellow pepper – This will add a lovely pop of color and a mild sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic – Essential for the stir fry aroma and flavor.
• Fresh ginger – Another essential ingredient that adds warmth and dimension to the dish.

To make your easy homemade teriyaki sauce:

• Light brown sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar – Gives a tangy twist to the sauce.
• Soy sauce – The main salty component that defines the teriyaki flavor.
• Water – To help dilute and balance the sauce.
• Cornstarch – Assist in thickening the sauce and giving it that perfect consistency.

Finally, don’t forget your garnish:

• Green onions– A delicate onion flavor that brings freshness to the dish.
• Sesame seeds – Sprinkle on top to give an appealing appearance and a slightly nutty taste.

How to Make Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry

• Step One: In a small bowl, add brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch. Whisk them together until no lumps remain.
• Step Two: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add snow peas, yellow pepper, and broccoli to the wok. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Step Three: Add the shrimp, garlic, and ginger to the wok. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked.

• Step Four: Once the shrimp is cooked, pour the sauce you prepared earlier into the wok, and stir to combine. Let it cook for about two more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Step Five: Garnish your teriyaki shrimp stir fry with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve it hot, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Equipment Needed

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1. A large wok or skillet: This will be used to cook your stir fry and ensure enough space for all the ingredients to be evenly cooked.
2. Tongs or a wooden spatula: Use these tools to quickly toss and stir your ingredients together, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly.
3. Knife and cutting board: You’ll need these to chop your vegetables and prepare the shrimp.
4. Measuring cups and spoons: Have these handy to measure the ingredients for your sauce.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your delicious teriyaki shrimp stir fry, you have a variety of options to suit your personal preference.

Rice and Noodles

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic accompaniment for teriyaki shrimp stir fry, providing a simple yet satisfying base for absorbing the delicious flavors of the dish. You might also like to try fragrant jasmine or basmati rice for a different aroma and taste. Cauliflower rice is a delicious low-carb option.
• Noodles: If you’re in the mood for noodles, consider serving your shrimp stir fry on a bed of soba, udon, or even rice noodles. These can add a delightful texture to your meal and are as effective as soaking up the teriyaki sauce.

Garnishing

A beautifully garnished dish not only looks more appealing but can also enhance the flavors and textures of your meal. Here are some ideas:

• Sesame seeds: Sprinkling lightly toasted seeds adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to your teriyaki shrimp stir fry. You can use either white or black sesame seeds or a mix of both.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions, also known as scallions, offer a mild onion flavor and a burst of freshness that complements the sweet and salty teriyaki sauce.
• Fresh herbs: Herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil bring a vibrant pop of color and aroma to your dish, elevating it from delicious to unforgettable.

Variations and Substitutions

Trying new variations on your favorite recipes can be fun, and these changes can also accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. Several ingredients can be adjusted or substituted in your teriyaki shrimp stir fry while maintaining a delicious result.

Firstly, if you’re not a fan of shrimp or have an allergy, try substituting with other proteins such as:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Tofu
• Tempeh

It’s essential to adjust cooking times according to the protein you choose. For instance, chicken usually takes a little longer to cook than shrimp.

Regarding vegetables, choose the ones you love the most, or try new ones to add a twist to your dish. Some excellent alternative veggie options to consider are:

• Red Bell Pepper
• Carrots
• Baby corn
• Green beans
• Bok Choy
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Water chestnuts

If you’re looking to make the sauce gluten-free or lower in sodium, you can easily do that by using a gluten-free or low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari, and reducing the amount of sugar or choosing alternative sweeteners, like honey, maple syrup or agave syrup.

Add some heat with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha sauce.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use the largest shrimp you can find for a great taste and texture. Typically, 16-20 count shrimp work best for this recipe. Ensure not to overcook your shrimp, as this can result in a rubbery texture.
• No fresh shrimp? No worries. You can use frozen shrimp if you like. Thaw it first and pat it dry to remove the excess water.
• Save time by purchasing pre-peeled and deveined shrimp.
• You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to 5 days in advance, making it convenient for quick weeknight meals. Store the prepared sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Cook it on high or medium-high heat. Stir-fry is best cooked at a higher heat for a short period. This is a great way to keep the veggies tender-crisp and prevents them from becoming mushy. Keep an eye on it, though, and stir often so it doesn’t burn. It is a stir-fry, after all!
• Prep all the ingredients ahead of time. Having the veggies chopped and ready to go BEFORE cooking will make the process easier and less stressful.

Storage Instructions

When it comes to storing your teriyaki shrimp stir fry, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, if you want to enjoy leftovers later, it’s best to store the stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This should keep your leftovers fresh for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze?

If you’re wondering whether you can freeze your shrimp stir fry, the answer is yes, but with some caveats. While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the vegetables and shrimp in your stir fry. To maximize the quality of your reheated dish, follow these steps:

1. Cool the stir fry completely: Before placing it in the freezer, ensure it has cooled down to room temperature. This will help reduce the formation of ice crystals that can negatively impact the texture of your dish.
2. Use a freezer-safe container: Choose an airtight container specifically designed for freezing. This will help preserve your stir fry’s quality when you’re ready to reheat it.
3. Label and date the container: Remember to label your container with the contents and the date you froze it. This will help you track how long your dish has been stored.

When you’re ready to reheat your shrimp stir fry, it’s essential to do so properly to ensure it tastes as good as when it was first made. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Thaw your frozen stir fry in the refrigerator overnight to allow it to defrost gently and evenly.
• Reheat your stir fry on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a touch of oil to help prevent sticking. This method will help to retain the crispness of the vegetables and the tenderness of the shrimp.

How to Peel Shrimp

Peeling shrimp might seem daunting, but you’ll become a pro in no time with some practice and the right technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you peel shrimp for your teriyaki shrimp stir-fry.

Before you begin, ensure your shrimp is properly thawed if frozen. You can let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and submerge it in cold water for 20-30 minutes.

Step 1: Remove the legs. Start by holding the shrimp in one hand, with the underside facing up. Gently grasp the legs between your thumb and index finger, and pull them away from the shrimp to remove them.

Step 2: Detach the shell. With the legs removed, you’ll now easily see where the shell segments overlap. Insert your thumb under the top edge of the shell, near the head, and use your other hand to pull the shrimp tail away from the shell gently. Work your way down the body, peeling the shell off in segments.

Step 3: Keep the tail. Many recipes, like your teriyaki shrimp stir-fry, ask you to keep the tail on the shrimp for better presentation and as a tiny handle for easier eating. To do so, leave the last piece of the shell surrounding the tail intact as you remove the other segments.

Step 4: Devein your shrimp. After peeling the shell, you may want to remove the vein running down the shrimp’s back. To do this, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp using the tip of a small, sharp knife or a deveining tool. Hold the shrimp under running water or in a bowl of water to help rinse out the dark vein as you carefully lift it out with the tip of the knife or your finger.