If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, colorful, and comes together in a flash, the Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is just what you need. This dish perfectly balances the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the bright crunch of fresh veggies and tender shrimp, making it a family favorite that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is going to become your go-to for a vibrant, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. The freshness of the vegetables provides crunch and nutrition, while the sauce ties everything together with a sweet and savory punch.
- Shrimp (1 lb., peeled and deveined): The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
- Soy sauce or Tamari (â…“ cup): Adds a rich umami depth and saltiness that is essential for teriyaki flavor.
- Warm water (â…“ cup): Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar (2 Tbsp.): Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Honey (2 Tbsp.): Adds a luscious, sticky sweetness that caramelizes slightly when cooked.
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp.): Introduces a mild tang to brighten the sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 Tbsp.): Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish that clings to shrimp and veggies.
- Garlic (2 cloves, finely minced): Provides aromatic punch and depth.
- Ginger paste (1 tsp.): Adds a subtle spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- Oil (2 Tbsp., avocado or olive): For sautéing the shrimp and vegetables to that perfect sear without burning.
- Carrots (1 cup, thinly sliced): For sweetness and crunch.
- Bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Lends vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Small white onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and sharpness when caramelized slightly.
- Snow peas (1 cup): Crisp and light, they bring a refreshing snap.
- Green onions (optional, thinly sliced): Perfect for garnish and extra freshness.
- Rice or cauliflower rice (optional): The ideal base to soak up all the sauce and balance the meal.
- Sesame seeds (optional, toasted): For a toasty finish and subtle nutty crunch.
How to Make Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Dry the Shrimp
Before you start cooking, it’s important to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the shrimp sear beautifully without steaming, giving you a lovely slightly crispy texture on the outside while keeping it juicy inside.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce or tamari, warm water, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger paste. Give it a good whisk until everything is blended and the cornstarch is dissolved. This magical sauce is the heart of this Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe and will coat each bite with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough that a splash of water sizzles immediately. Add the sliced carrots, bell pepper, onion, and snow peas, cooking them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they just start to become tender but still retain their crispness. It’s important to keep the veggies vibrant and fresh.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the shrimp in a single layer as much as possible. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink but may still be slightly translucent in the very center—that’s okay because they will finish cooking in the sauce. Mix the shrimp in with the vegetables after both have been seared.
Step 5: Add the Teriyaki Sauce and Simmer
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir everything gently to coat with the glossy sauce, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the stir-fry simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse every piece with deep, luscious flavor.
How to Serve Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top right before serving. These garnishes add a burst of freshness and a delicate crunch that elevates the whole dish to restaurant-quality finesse.
Side Dishes
Serve your Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe over a bed of fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Both soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying base to balance the vibrant shrimp and veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this stir-fry wrapped in lettuce leaves or over noodles like soba or ramen. You can also make it a bowl meal with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for a colorful, wholesome feast that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect choice for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave on medium power, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to bring back the moisture and luster of the teriyaki sauce. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure a nice sear.
What can I substitute for snow peas?
Snap peas, green beans, or even asparagus tips work well as substitutes and will provide a similar crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe can easily be gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good whisk before using as cornstarch may settle at the bottom.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
Cook the vegetables over medium-high heat just until they start to become tender but still have a bit of crunch. Avoid overcooking and add the sauce at the end to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is a dependable, delightful dish that promises mouthwatering flavor and vibrant texture every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s a quick, healthy way to brighten up any mealtime with a touch of sweet-savory magic. Happy cooking!
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Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp with vibrant vegetables tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it features a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors paired with tender-crisp veggies and served over rice or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb. shrimp (20–24 count, peeled, deveined)
- â…“ cup soy sauce or Tamari (or Tamari gluten-free)
- â…“ cup warm water
- 2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tsp. ginger paste (or finely minced)
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 cup carrots (thinly sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 small white onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup snow peas
- Green onions (thinly sliced, optional)
- Sesame seeds (toasted, optional)
- Rice or cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Dry the Shrimp: Dab the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the shrimp sear properly when cooked. Set aside until ready to use.
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, warm water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ginger paste until fully combined. Set the sauce aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Shrimp: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the sliced carrots, bell pepper, onion, and snow peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the other side. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they start to turn pink. Combine the shrimp with the vegetables, even if the shrimp are not fully cooked yet.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the shrimp to cook through.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki shrimp and vegetables hot over white rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your flavorful stir-fry!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing vegetables.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and proper searing.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to white rice.
