Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry: Quick, Healthy & Delicious Recipe

Shrimp snow peas stir fry: just the name conjures up images of vibrant colors and fresh, crisp flavors dancing on your tongue, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe with you. Forget ordering takeout tonight; you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes!

Stir-fries, with their roots deeply embedded in Chinese culinary tradition, are more than just a quick cooking method. They represent a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, a philosophy of balance that has captivated palates for centuries. The beauty of a stir-fry lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins.

What makes this shrimp snow peas stir fry so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of succulent shrimp, the delightful crunch of snow peas, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. People adore this dish because it’s light yet filling, healthy, and incredibly convenient for busy weeknights. The subtle sweetness of the snow peas complements the delicate flavor of the shrimp beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies! Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined (I prefer using large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe)
• Snow Peas: 8 ounces, trimmed
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Yellow Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Onion: 1/2 medium, thinly sliced
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced (fresh ginger is key!)
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (low sodium is a good option)
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (this adds a wonderful umami flavor)
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
• Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (or vegetable broth)
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
• Cooked Rice: For serving (I like jasmine rice)
• Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish

Preparing the Shrimp:

1. First, make sure your shrimp are completely thawed if you’re using frozen shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is important because excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of searing them, and we want a nice sear for better flavor and texture.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss well to coat evenly. The cornstarch helps to create a light coating that will crisp up nicely when stir-fried.
3. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to work its magic. You can even marinate them for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Set the sauce aside. Having it ready to go will make the stir-frying process much smoother.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. It’s crucial to get the wok screaming hot before adding the vegetables. This will ensure they cook quickly and retain their crispness.
2. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for about 1 minute, until slightly softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and snow peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to still have a bit of bite.
5. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.

Cooking the Shrimp:

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
2. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. If you have too much shrimp, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
3. Stir-fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque and cooked through. Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Return the cooked vegetables to the wok with the shrimp.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.
3. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.

Serving:

1. Serve the shrimp and snow pea stir-fry immediately over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Enjoy! This dish is best served fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether. You can also add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, carrots, mushrooms, or water chestnuts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Protein: You can substitute chicken, beef, or tofu for the shrimp. If using chicken or beef, slice it thinly and marinate it in the same way as the shrimp. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess water before marinating.
• Nuts: Add some chopped cashews or peanuts for extra crunch.
• Oyster Sauce Substitute: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of brown sugar.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Rice Options: While I love jasmine rice, you can use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa.
• Prep Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
• Wok vs. Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying because its shape allows for even heat distribution and easy tossing. However, a large skillet will also work. Just make sure it’s large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
• Don’t Overcrowd: As mentioned before, avoid overcrowding the wok or skillet. This will lower the temperature and steam the ingredients instead of searing them. Cook in batches if necessary.
• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and retain their crispness. Make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding the ingredients.

Storing Leftovers:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The vegetables may lose some of their crispness upon reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams

Why This Recipe Works:

This shrimp and snow pea stir-fry recipe is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of savory soy sauce, umami-rich oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness creates a perfectly balanced sauce that coats the shrimp and vegetables beautifully. The high-heat stir-frying technique ensures that the shrimp are cooked to perfection and the vegetables retain their crispness. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking with different vegetables, proteins, and spice levels.

Serving Suggestions:

This stir-fry is delicious served on its own over rice, but you can also pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes, such as spring rolls, egg rolls, or wonton soup. It’s also a great addition to a potluck or buffet.

Enjoy the Process!

Cooking should be fun and relaxing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of this dish. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!

Conclusion:

This Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. The succulent shrimp, the crisp snow peas, and the savory sauce combine to create a dish that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their dinner routine. Why is it a must-try? Because it’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Plus, the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, so you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase to find exotic spices or hard-to-find vegetables. But the real magic lies in the taste – the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly complements the slight bitterness of the snow peas, all brought together by a flavorful sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving this Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a healthier option. Quinoa or even cauliflower rice would also work beautifully. For a low-carb alternative, try serving it over zucchini noodles or simply enjoy it on its own as a light and satisfying meal. And speaking of versatility, there are so many ways you can customize this recipe to suit your own taste. If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. For a richer flavor, try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You could also add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli florets. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are some variations I’ve personally enjoyed: * Spicy Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery kick. * Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry with Cashews: Toss in a handful of roasted cashews at the end for added crunch and nutty flavor. * Lemon Garlic Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a bright and zesty twist. * Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry with Noodles: Serve over your favorite type of noodles, such as egg noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok (or a large skillet), gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Once you’ve tried this Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you liked, and what you would change. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Print