Table of contents
Ingredients
To make this shrimp stir-fry, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon minced ginger - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 onion, sliced - 1 cup sugar snap peas - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - Salt and pepper to taste
Shrimp stir-fry is a classic Chinese dish that is simple, tasty, and perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The secret to a great shrimp stir-fry is in the ingredients, and with just a few key components, you can create a delicious and healthy meal in minutes.
The first ingredient you'll need is shrimp. Look for fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined, and preferably of medium size. You'll also need a selection of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. These vegetables not only add flavor and texture to the dish, but they also provide important nutrients.
To add depth of flavor to your shrimp stir-fry, you'll need garlic and ginger. These two ingredients are staples in Chinese cuisine and are known for their health benefits as well. You'll also need oil for cooking, preferably a high-heat oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
For the sauce, you'll need soy sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor to the dish, while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. Chicken broth provides a savory base for the sauce and helps meld all the flavors together.
With these simple ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious shrimp stir-fry that is sure to please your taste buds. The great thing about stir-fry is that you can customize it to your liking by adding or substituting different vegetables or proteins. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to cook up a tasty and healthy meal in no time!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your shrimp stir-fry: 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. 3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through. 4. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. 5. Add the peppers, onion, and sugar snap peas to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. 6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of water. 7. Return the shrimp to the pan and pour the sauce over the top. 8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are tender. 9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Step 1: Heat the oil
Step 1: Heat the oil
Shrimp stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that can be made in just a few minutes. The first step in making shrimp stir-fry is to heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. The type of oil you use is up to you, but it's best to use an oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
Once the oil is heated, it's important to add the garlic and ginger quickly to avoid burning the oil. Garlic and ginger are essential ingredients in Chinese cuisine and they add a distinct flavor to the dish. It's important to cook the garlic and ginger until they are fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds.
Heating the oil properly is crucial to the success of the dish. If the oil isn't hot enough, the shrimp won't cook properly and will end up soggy instead of crispy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, it can burn the garlic and ginger, giving the dish a bitter taste.
Overall, heating the oil correctly is the first step in making a delicious shrimp stir-fry. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to perfect this step and create a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time.
Step 2: Add the garlic and ginger
Step 2: Add the garlic and ginger
Once the oil is heated up, it's time to add the garlic and ginger. These two ingredients are the foundation of many Chinese dishes, and in this shrimp stir-fry, they add a depth of flavor that complements the shrimp and vegetables perfectly.
Make sure to finely chop the garlic and ginger before adding them to the pan. You can use a garlic press or a microplane grater to make this task easier. Once the garlic and ginger are in the pan, stir them continuously for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can quickly turn your dish bitter. If you do accidentally burn them, it's best to start again from scratch.
Adding garlic and ginger early on in the cooking process allows their flavors to infuse into the oil, creating a base for the rest of the dish. It's a simple but effective technique that can take your cooking to the next level.
In Chinese cuisine, garlic and ginger are considered to have many health benefits, including boosting the immune system and improving digestion. So not only will your shrimp stir-fry taste delicious, but it'll also be good for you!
Next up is Step 3: Cook the shrimp, where the real stars of this dish take center stage.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now that the garlic and ginger are fragrant, it's time to add the star of the dish – the shrimp! Make sure the shrimp are deveined and peeled before cooking. You can leave the tail on for presentation purposes, but it's not necessary.
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and rubbery. If you're unsure whether they're fully cooked, you can cut one in half and check the color.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside. We'll add them back in later, but for now, we want to focus on cooking the vegetables.
Cooking the shrimp first allows for the flavors to infuse into the oil, which will enhance the overall taste of the stir-fry. Plus, shrimp cook quickly, making this dish perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Next up, we'll be cooking the vegetables and making the sauce. Stay tuned for the next steps in creating this simple, tasty, and ready-in-minutes shrimp stir-fry!
Step 4: Remove the shrimp
In step 4 of making your delicious shrimp stir-fry, you will remove the cooked shrimp from the pan temporarily. This may seem like an unnecessary step, but it is crucial to ensure that the shrimp stays tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.
By removing the shrimp, you are preventing it from overcooking and becoming rubbery. This is especially important if you are using smaller shrimp or if you are cooking them for an extended period. If the shrimp is overcooked, it can ruin the entire dish.
To remove the shrimp, simply use a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer them to a plate or bowl. Be sure to leave any remaining oil or liquid in the pan, as you will be using it to cook the vegetables and make the sauce in the following steps.
Once the shrimp is removed, it's time to move on to the next step and cook your vegetables. By following each step carefully, you will end up with a perfectly cooked and flavorful shrimp stir-fry that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Step 5: Cook the vegetables
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
The beauty of shrimp stir-fry is that you can use any vegetables you like, making it a versatile dish that can suit any taste or dietary requirement. Some popular vegetable options include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and onions.
To cook the vegetables, first, heat up the remaining oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but are still slightly crisp. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
If you're using vegetables that may take longer to cook, like broccoli or carrots, add them to the pan first and cook for a minute or two before adding the other vegetables.
It's important not to overcook the vegetables as they will lose their crunch and become mushy. Remember that the stir-fry sauce will also add some moisture to the vegetables, so it's better to undercook them slightly.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove them from the pan and set them aside with the shrimp. This will prevent them from overcooking while you make the sauce in the next step.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and healthy shrimp stir-fry that is sure to be a hit with your family or friends. Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make it your own!
Step 6: Make the sauce
Step 6: Make the Sauce
The sauce in this shrimp stir-fry is what really brings all the flavors together. It's a simple combination of soy sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sugar. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour the soy sauce mixture into the chicken broth mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Set the sauce aside until you're ready to use it in the stir-fry.
This sauce is the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. The cornstarch helps to thicken it up and make it cling to the shrimp and vegetables. Plus, it's so easy to make - you can whip it up in just a few minutes while the shrimp and veggies are cooking.
So, don't skip this step! The sauce really makes the dish.
Step 7: Return the shrimp to the pan
Step 7: Return the Shrimp to the Pan
Now that the vegetables are cooked and the sauce has thickened, it's time to add the shrimp back to the pan. Make sure to stir well so that the shrimp are coated in the sauce. The shrimp should only be cooked for a minute or two, just until they are heated through.
It's important not to overcook the shrimp at this stage, as they can become tough and rubbery. If you're not sure if the shrimp are cooked through, you can cut one open to check. It should be opaque and pink, with no gray or translucency.
Once the shrimp are heated through, the dish is ready to serve! You can garnish it with some sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if you like. This shrimp stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's healthy, flavorful, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Give it a try and see how delicious it can be!
Step 8: Cook until the sauce thickens
Step 8: Cook until the sauce thickens
Now that the shrimp and vegetables are cooked, it's time to finish off the dish by thickening the sauce. This step is essential to ensure that the sauce coats the shrimp and vegetables evenly and adds a burst of flavor to the dish.
To thicken the sauce, you can use cornstarch or flour. Cornstarch is more commonly used in Chinese cuisine as it gives the sauce a glossy texture. To use cornstarch, mix it with water until it forms a slurry and add it to the pan. Stir the sauce continuously until it thickens. If you prefer to use flour, mix it with water until it forms a paste and add it to the pan. Again, stir the sauce continuously until it thickens.
It's important not to add too much cornstarch or flour as it can make the sauce too thick and gloopy. Start with one tablespoon of cornstarch or flour and add more if needed.
Once the sauce has thickened, return the shrimp to the pan and stir until they are coated in the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce has fully coated them.
Don't forget to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce or salt to taste.
And that's it! Your shrimp stir-fry is now ready to serve. Garnish with some chopped green onions or cilantro and enjoy it with rice or noodles. This dish is simple, tasty, and ready in minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!
Congratulations, you have made a delicious shrimp stir-fry! Now it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your creation.
To serve, spoon the stir-fry onto a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
This dish also pairs well with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy.
Don't forget to share your culinary masterpiece with family and friends. This recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone's taste buds.
Remember, the beauty of stir-fry is its versatility. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Whether it's chicken, beef, or tofu, the possibilities are endless.
So go ahead, take a bite, and savor the flavors of this simple, tasty, and ready-in-minutes shrimp stir-fry.
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