This Saucy Shrimp & Vegetable Stir-Fry is a quick, colorful, and flavorful dinner packed with juicy shrimp and crisp-tender vegetables coated in a glossy homemade sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh, satisfying, and better than takeout.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- ½ small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, broth, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes.
Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
Set aside.
2. Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Toss them with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. The light coating helps the shrimp develop a delicate crust and allows the sauce to cling beautifully.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same wok.
Add the onion, carrot, broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas.
Stir-fry for approximately 4–5 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp-tender.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add the Sauce
Give the sauce mixture another quick stir because the cornstarch may have settled.
Pour it into the wok with the vegetables.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken into a glossy coating.
6. Add the Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the wok.
Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through and coated in the sauce.
Don’t cook for too long or the shrimp can become rubbery.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Stir-Fry
Dry the shrimp well: Excess moisture can prevent them from browning properly.
Cook shrimp separately: This keeps them tender while allowing the vegetables to develop better flavor.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Crisp-tender vegetables provide the best texture.
Stir the sauce before adding it: Cornstarch settles quickly, so mix it again right before pouring.
Work quickly: Stir-fries cook best when all ingredients are prepared before you start.
Easy Variations
Add mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, cabbage, water chestnuts, or bok choy.
For extra heat, add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or additional red pepper flakes.
For a sweeter sauce, add another teaspoon of honey.
You can also replace the shrimp with sliced chicken, beef, or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Chow mein noodles
- Rice noodles
- Cauliflower rice
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions adds the perfect finishing touch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
This Saucy Shrimp & Vegetable Stir-Fry is colorful, savory, slightly sweet, and packed with fresh flavor. Juicy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a glossy homemade sauce make this an easy dinner that’s faster than ordering takeout.