Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Quick & Healthy Delight

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and quick weeknight meal? Look no further than this Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry! This recipe is packed with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this stir-fry is easy to master and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry

* **Quick and Easy:** Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Loaded with protein from the shrimp and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the vegetables and sauce to your liking.
* **Delicious and Flavorful:** The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available and affordable ingredients.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this flavorful stir-fry.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Choose medium or large shrimp for the best texture.
* **Broccoli florets:** 1 cup, cut into bite-sized pieces. Broccoli adds a nice crunch and nutritional value.
* **Carrots:** 1 cup, sliced thinly. Carrots provide sweetness and vibrant color.
* **Bell pepper:** 1, sliced into strips (any color). Bell peppers add sweetness and a slightly smoky flavor.
* **Snap peas:** 1 cup, trimmed. Snap peas offer a crisp and refreshing element.
* **Onion:** 1/2, sliced thinly. Onion adds a savory base flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated. Ginger adds a warm and spicy note.
* **Teriyaki sauce:** 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade). Teriyaki sauce is the key to the dish’s signature flavor. (See homemade recipe below).
* **Soy sauce:** 1 tablespoon (low sodium). Soy sauce adds depth of flavor and umami.
* **Sesame oil:** 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil provides a nutty aroma and flavor.
* **Vegetable oil:** 2 tablespoons. Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying the ingredients.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons. Water is mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry.
* **Sesame seeds:** 1 tablespoon, for garnish (optional). Sesame seeds add a visual appeal and nutty flavor.
* **Green onions:** 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish (optional). Green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
* **Cooked rice or noodles:** For serving (optional).

## Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Optional)

While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe:

* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
* 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

**Instructions:**

1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

## Step-by-Step Instructions for Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the stir-fry.
* Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything prepped and ready to go is crucial for stir-frying.
* Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
* If making homemade teriyaki sauce, prepare it according to the recipe above.
* Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.

**Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the wok is hot before adding the vegetables.
* Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
* Add the carrots, broccoli, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should still have a bit of a bite.
* Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger.
* Add the snap peas and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until they are bright green.
* Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
* Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl slightly.
* Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.

**Step 4: Combine and Sauce**

* Return the vegetables to the wok.
* Add the cooked shrimp.
* Pour in the teriyaki sauce and soy sauce.
* Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and evenly coated the shrimp and vegetables.

**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry

* **Use high heat:** Stir-frying is best done over high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create a slightly charred flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding any ingredients.
* **Don’t overcrowd the wok:** Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and result in steamed vegetables instead of stir-fried vegetables. Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary.
* **Prepare all ingredients in advance:** This is crucial for a successful stir-fry. Chop all the vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and prepare the sauce before you start cooking.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh vegetables and shrimp will result in the best flavor and texture.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference. You can add more honey for a sweeter sauce or more soy sauce for a saltier sauce.
* **Don’t overcook the shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and cooked through.
* **Add a pinch of red pepper flakes:** For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry.
* **Use different vegetables:** Feel free to substitute the vegetables with your favorites. Some other great options include zucchini, mushrooms, bok choy, and snow peas.
* **Marinate the shrimp:** For even more flavor, marinate the shrimp in a little bit of teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
* **Serve immediately:** Stir-fries are best served immediately while they are still hot and the vegetables are crisp-tender.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Substitute the shrimp with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. Use a vegan teriyaki sauce.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
* **Low-Carb:** Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice or noodles.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
* **Protein:** Substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Vegetables:** Experiment with different vegetables like snow peas, edamame, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts.

## Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Rice:** Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
* **Noodles:** Serve over lo mein noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles.
* **Quinoa:** Serve over cooked quinoa for a healthy and protein-packed option.
* **Spring Rolls:** Serve with fresh spring rolls and peanut sauce for a delicious appetizer.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Egg Rolls:** Serve with crispy egg rolls for a satisfying combination.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Microwave:** Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
* **Stovetop:** Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-20g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

## Conclusion

This Teriyaki Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a winner for its speed, health benefits, and incredible taste. It’s a flexible recipe that encourages you to get creative with your vegetable choices and adjust the flavors to your personal preferences. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a parent looking for a quick and healthy meal for the family, this stir-fry is sure to become a regular in your rotation. So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in minutes! Happy cooking!

## FAQ’s

**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

**Q: Can I use different vegetables?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you like. Some great options include zucchini, mushrooms, bok choy, and snow peas.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to cook.

**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**

A: It can be! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.

**Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?**

A: Don’t overcook the shrimp! Cook them just until they are pink and cooked through. They should be opaque and slightly curled.

**Q: Can I add a protein besides shrimp?**

A: Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

**Q: Can I make this spicier?**

A: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some extra heat.