If you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal, this Juicy Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles and Broccoli is a must-try. With plump shrimp, tender noodles, and crisp broccoli, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish is both nourishing and delicious.
Steps
- Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper, then cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add sesame oil and heat over medium. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and sugar snap peas, stirring occasionally for about 7 minutes until they soften. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes, whisking until smooth. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, tossing the vegetables to coat. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together for about 2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and coated in sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, sliced thinly
- 8 ounces sugar snap peas
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this stir-fry?
- Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can use shrimp of any size, from medium to jumbo, depending on your preference.
- What vegetables work best in a shrimp stir-fry?
- You can use a wide variety of vegetables, but for a quick cook time, opt for those that become crisp-tender in under 10 minutes. Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers are great options, but you can also try cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus.
- How should I prepare the ingredients before cooking?
- It’s crucial to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking since stir-frying is a fast-paced method. This includes cutting the vegetables uniformly and pre-mixing the sauce ingredients.
- What if I have leftovers? How should I store and reheat them?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave on medium power for 1-minute intervals until heated through.
- What can I serve with shrimp stir-fry?
- A serving of freshly cooked rice pairs wonderfully with shrimp stir-fry, allowing you to soak up all the delicious sauce and turning the stir-fry into a satisfying meal.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients Before Cooking: Since stir-frying is a quick process, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking. This includes cutting vegetables to a uniform size and mixing the sauce in advance.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on what you have available or your personal preferences. While the recipe suggests broccoli, snap peas, and red pepper, you can also try using cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you don’t have a wok, a cast-iron skillet is a great alternative for achieving the high heat needed for stir-frying, which helps in perfectly cooking the shrimp and vegetables.
- Proper Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave on medium power in 1-minute increments for the best results.
Equipment
- Cast-Iron Skillet – Recommended for achieving high heat similar to a wok.
- Wok – Optional, but traditional for stir-frying.
- Whisk – For mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Garlic Press – For mincing garlic efficiently.
- Microplane Grater – For finely chopping peeled ginger.
