15-Minute Shrimp and Veg Stir-Fry

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Introduction

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that you can prepare in just 15 minutes? Look no further than this 15-Minute Shrimp and Veg Stir-Fry! This dish combines succulent shrimp with a medley of vibrant vegetables, all cooked in a savory sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to serve to guests, this stir-fry is the perfect option.

With fresh, wholesome ingredients, this stir-fry offers a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Plus, it’s completely halal, with no pork, bacon, or wine involved, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. In this article, we’ll show you how to make this 15-minute stir-fry, explain the key steps, and share tips on customizing it to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor-Packed: The shrimp and vegetables are stir-fried in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and other savory ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: With shrimp as the main protein and a variety of colorful vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
  • Customizable: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to switch up the vegetables or protein to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
  • Halal-Friendly: The recipe is made without any pork, bacon, or wine, making it a great halal option for those following a halal diet.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 15 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 5 minutes for cooking)
  • Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 250, Protein: 28g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 8g.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Shrimp is the star protein of this dish, offering a lean source of protein with a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with the vegetables.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying the shrimp and vegetables.
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color and sweetness to the stir-fry.
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides a slight tanginess and balances the sweetness of the red bell pepper.
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced: A mild, slightly sweet vegetable that complements the shrimp and other vegetables.
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a subtle sweetness to the stir-fry.
  • 1 cup snap peas or green beans: These vegetables add a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for any stir-fry, garlic brings out the savory umami flavors of the dish.

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): The base of the sauce, giving it that salty umami flavor. Make sure to use a halal-friendly soy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements of the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: For acidity and to help balance the sweetness of the honey.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the stir-fry.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Ginger adds a zesty, slightly spicy note to the sauce that complements the shrimp and vegetables.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce if you prefer a more glossy consistency.

Garnish (optional):

  • Sesame seeds: For a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
  • Chopped green onions or cilantro: For a fresh, herby touch.
  • Red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat (optional, if you like spice).

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS

  1. Peel and Devein the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, if necessary. This step may already be done if you bought pre-peeled and deveined shrimp. Set the shrimp aside in a bowl.
  2. Slice the Vegetables: Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. Julienne the carrot or slice it into thin rounds. Slice the zucchini and trim the snap peas or green beans. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE SHRIMP

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

THIRD STEP: COOK THE VEGETABLES

  1. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then add the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and snap peas (or green beans). Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Be sure not to overcook them—they should still have a bit of bite to them.

FOURTH STEP: COMBINE THE SHRIMP, VEGETABLES, AND SAUCE

  1. Add the Shrimp Back In: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until everything is heated through.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

  1. Garnish: Once the stir-fry is ready, transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions (or cilantro) on top for garnish. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top.
  2. Serve: Serve the stir-fry immediately with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb option.

How to Serve 15-Minute Shrimp and Veg Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. With Steamed Rice

Serve the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice will absorb the savory sauce and add some heartiness to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

2. With Noodles

For a different texture, serve the stir-fry with rice noodles or soba noodles. These noodles soak up the sauce and pair perfectly with the shrimp and vegetables.

3. On Its Own

If you’re looking for a lighter meal, you can serve the stir-fry on its own without rice or noodles. It’s already packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete meal.

4. As Part of a Larger Meal

This stir-fry is perfect as part of a larger meal with other Asian-inspired dishes. Serve it alongside a bowl of miso soup, spring rolls, or a side salad for a well-rounded dinner.

Additional Tips

  1. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier stir-fry, you can add fresh chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha sauce to the dish. Adjust the heat level to suit your preference.
  2. Use Frozen Shrimp: If fresh shrimp isn’t available, you can easily use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
  3. Mix Up the Vegetables: Feel free to use different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn are great alternatives or additions to this dish.
  4. Make it Vegetarian: To make this stir-fry vegetarian, simply replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy.

Recipe Variations

1. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

For a more traditional take, swap out the snap peas or green beans with broccoli. The broccoli adds a bit of crunch and works well with the shrimp and savory sauce.

2. Add More Sauces

If you want to experiment with different flavors, add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the stir-fry for an added layer of umami.

3. Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry

For those who love a bit of heat, try adding a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce. This will give the dish a nice spicy kick.

4. Shrimp and Pineapple Stir-Fry

For a tropical twist, add some fresh pineapple chunks to the stir-fry. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with the shrimp and the savory sauce.

Freezing and Storage

Leftovers from the stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

You can also freeze the stir-fry for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need any special equipment for this recipe, a large skillet or wok is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients quickly and evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe? Yes! Frozen vegetables work well in stir-fries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before cooking.
  2. Can I make this dish without soy sauce? If you’re looking for a soy-free alternative, you can use coconut aminos, which has a similar flavor profile to soy sauce.
  3. Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp? Yes! You can substitute the shrimp with chicken breast, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
  4. Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time? While stir-fries are best served fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance. Cook the shrimp and vegetables just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Shrimp and Veg Stir-Fry is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a flavorful dish that comes together in no time. With its balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s customizable and halal-friendly, making it a great option for anyone following dietary preferences. Enjoy this easy stir-fry tonight and savor every bite!

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