If you’re a seafood lover with an affinity for all things spicy, the spicy shrimp stir fry is a dish that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. This stir fry is a medley of succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, fiery sauce that ties it all together beautifully. Not only does it pack a flavorful punch, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you’re simply in the mood for some Asian-inspired cuisine.
The Health Benefits of Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry
Rich in Protein: Shrimp is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing body tissues, and promoting healthy growth and development.
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables used in this stir fry – peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, among others – are rich in vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system and promote overall health.
Heart-Friendly: Shrimp is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Low in Calories: This stir fry is a low-calorie option, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight or trying to lose weight.
Promotes Gut Health: The fibre from the vegetables aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For a serving size of four people, you will need:
- 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- A mix of vegetables including snap peas, broccoli, and jalapeno peppers – 1 cup each
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1.5 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 tablespoons of hot paprika
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ginger
- ½ cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Garnish options: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, extra sliced peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry
Step 1- Prepare the Shrimp: Start by seasoning the shrimp with some salt and pepper. Heat the sesame oil in a pan and add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
Step 2- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the snap peas, broccoli, and peppers. Cook for about 8-9 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Step 3- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gochujang, hot paprika, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, garlic powder, ginger and chicken stock.
Step 4- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the sauce into the pan with the cooked vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
Step 5- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 6- Add the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and heat them through for about 2 minutes.
Step 7- Serve: Serve the spicy shrimp stir fry over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and extra sliced peppers.
Cooking Tips and Tricks for Making Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry Perfectly
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and vegetables will always give you the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so make sure not to overcook them as they can become tough and rubbery.
Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste and hot paprika to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder stir fry, you can reduce these ingredients.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slurry.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately while the shrimp is still hot and the vegetables are crisp.
How to Store Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry
You can store the leftover spicy shrimp stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan over medium heat.
Nutritional Facts
Per serving, this spicy shrimp stir fry contains approximately:
- Calories: 355kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 286mg
- Sodium: 1414mg
- Potassium: 477mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Conclusion
Spicy shrimp stir fry is a delicious and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s a versatile recipe that you can tweak to suit your taste. So why not give it a try and enjoy an Asian-inspired dish in the comfort of your home!
FAQs
1- Can I use other types of protein for this stir fry?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with other proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu.
2- Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to this stir fry.
3- Is this dish gluten-free?
This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.
4- What can I use instead of gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with Sriracha or any other hot chili paste.
5- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure they are tender and juicy.