A quick, affordable shrimp stir fry with crisp vegetables and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes.
If you need a fast dinner that feels like takeout but costs a fraction of the price, this shrimp stir fry is it. Juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a glossy savory sauce come together in one pan for a meal that’s simple but packed with flavor. This is the kind of dinner I make when I want something quick but still satisfying. The shrimp cook in minutes, the vegetables stay crisp, and the sauce coats everything beautifully. Serve it over rice and dinner is done.
This recipe is part of my $100 Dinner Series, where I create five family dinners from a $100 grocery haul using simple ingredients that stretch across multiple meals. It’s proof that you can make a satisfying, flavorful dinner without spending a fortune.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy. Dinner is ready in about 25 minutes.
- Better than takeout. Fresh ingredients and balanced sauce.
- Loaded with vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and onions add texture and color.
- Perfect for meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, they only need a few minutes.
- Prep everything first, stir fry cooks quickly.
- Keep vegetables crisp, they should still have a bite.
- Use high heat for the best stir fry texture.
Budget Breakdown
Shrimp (1 lb) – $9-10
Broccoli – $2
Bell pepper – $1.50
Onion – $1
Pantry sauce ingredients – about $2
Estimated total: $15-16
This easily feeds 4 people with rice.
What to Serve With Shrimp Stir Fry
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Quinoa
- Noodles
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Kitchen Tools
You don’t need any special equipment for this recipe, but these tools make the process easier.
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or cabbage all work well
Is dark soy sauce necessary?
No. It simply adds color to the sauce but the flavor will still be great without it.
Recipe
Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables (Better Than Takeout in 30 minutes)
Course: 0 Dinner Series, 30 Minute Meals, DinnerCuisine: Asian-inspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes10
minutes25
minutesA quick shrimp stir fry with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce, ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon oil
1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or Chinese cooking wine)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Stir Fry Sauce
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
For the Stir Fry
1 tablespoon oil
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced
Directions
- Velvet the shrimp. In a bowl combine the shrimp with cornstarch, oil, Shaoxing wine, and salt. Toss well and set aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients. This step also keep the shrimp tender.
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl whisk together water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and dark soy sauce if using. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until seared and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook the vegetables. Add a bit more oil to the skillet if needed. Start with the broccoli and add a splash of water. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add the onion, bell pepper, ginger, and garlic. Stir fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Finish the Stir Fry. Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Add the green onion and toss once more.
- Serve immediately over rice.
