Shrimp Stir-Fry Delight: Snap Peas, Baby Corn & a Flavor Explosion!
Looking for a quick, healthy, and unbelievably delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than this vibrant Shrimp Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Baby Corn! This recipe is packed with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and ready in under 30 minutes. The sweetness of the snap peas and baby corn perfectly complements the savory shrimp, all tossed in a flavorful stir-fry sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Stir-Fry
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with lean protein, vitamins, and fiber from the shrimp and vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the vegetables and sauce to your liking.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet and savory flavors is simply irresistible.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the snap peas and baby corn make this dish a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp, preferably medium to large size. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp works well.
- Snap Peas: These add a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch.
- Baby Corn: Adds a subtle sweetness and unique texture.
- Garlic: A staple in stir-fries, garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy note that complements the other flavors.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor and a glossy sheen to the sauce. (Optional, but highly recommended).
- Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the stir-fry sauce.
- Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat (optional).
- Green Onions: For garnish (optional).
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish (optional).
- Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving.
Detailed Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear on the shrimp. In a small bowl, marinate the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This helps to tenderize the shrimp and create a light coating that will brown nicely during stir-frying. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the snap peas and trim off the ends. If the snap peas are large, you can halve them. Drain the baby corn from the can or jar and slice them in half lengthwise or into smaller pieces. Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. Chop the green onions for garnish (if using). Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go is essential for a successful stir-fry, as the cooking process is quite fast.
Step 3: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce (2 tablespoons), oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, if using), sesame oil (1 teaspoon), cornstarch (1 teaspoon), and red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, if using). Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or a dash of rice vinegar for a bit of tang.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the shrimp instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the snap peas and baby corn to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the snap peas are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. You want them to retain some of their crunch.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Pour the stir-fry sauce over the vegetables in the wok. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Return the cooked shrimp to the wok and stir to combine. Cook for another minute, or until the shrimp is heated through and coated in the sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Shrimp Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Use different sauces: Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or black bean sauce.
- Prep ahead: You can chop the vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and steam the ingredients instead of stir-frying them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat to ensure that the ingredients cook quickly and evenly.
- Keep things moving: Stir the ingredients constantly to prevent them from sticking to the pan and burning.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Stir-Fry is delicious served over:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Noodles (such as egg noodles, ramen noodles, or udon noodles)
- Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
You can also serve it with a side of:
- Spring rolls
- Egg rolls
- Edamame
- Miso soup
- A simple green salad
Storage Instructions
Leftover Shrimp Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Be aware that the shrimp may become slightly rubbery upon reheating. It is generally best to eat stir-fries fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on estimated values. Actual values may vary.)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-25g
Enjoy Your Delicious Shrimp Stir-Fry!
This Shrimp Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Baby Corn is a flavorful, healthy, and easy meal that you’ll want to make again and again. With its vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and delicious taste, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a quick and nutritious dinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and sauces to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Happy cooking!