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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish) You can boost the flavor and texture with some add-ins. Try adding: - 1 cup sliced mushrooms - 1 carrot, julienned - ½ cup baby corn - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat These extras give your stir fry more color and taste. If you have allergies, there are easy swaps: - Use olive oil instead of sesame oil for a different flavor. - Choose coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for soy-free cooking. - Maple syrup works well if you're avoiding honey. - If you're sensitive to shrimp, chicken or tofu can work as a great substitute. These substitutions keep your dish safe and tasty! Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. This helps to remove any grit. After rinsing, use a paper towel to dry them gently. Drying is key to getting a nice sear later. Next, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. This small step boosts their flavor. Now, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding anything. This means it's hot enough! Add minced garlic and ginger to the oil. Stir them around for about 30 seconds. You want the aroma to fill your kitchen, but be careful not to burn them. Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, it's time to cook the shrimp. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. They should turn pink and opaque. After that, remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, add snap peas, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry these for 4-5 minutes. This gives a nice crunch while softening the veggies. Now for the fun part! Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the veggies. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Pour this mixture over the shrimp and veggies. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes. Make sure every piece is coated well. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir-fry and mix it well. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more salt or soy sauce, go ahead! Once it’s just right, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a perfect meal. Enjoy every bite! To make this dish pop, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, and strong spices create a bright taste. Sauté garlic and ginger in hot sesame oil to release their full aroma. This step is key! Don't skip it. The sweet soy sauce and rice vinegar mix really well, too. Add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. This balance makes your dish shine! One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They only need 2-3 minutes to cook. If you leave them in too long, they turn tough. Another mistake is not prepping your ingredients first. Being organized helps you cook quickly and keeps the flavors fresh. Lastly, don’t forget to season your shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking. This small step makes a big difference. For perfect shrimp, keep an eye on the color. They turn pink and opaque when ready. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes. If you are using larger shrimp, you might need an extra minute. Always remove them from the pan when cooked to avoid overcooking. This way, they stay tender and juicy. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for different proteins. Chicken or beef works well here. Cubes of tofu are great for a plant-based option. Just ensure you cook them properly to avoid dryness. For fish lovers, salmon or white fish fillets can also shine in this dish. To make this recipe vegetarian, use tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp. Marinate your tofu in soy sauce for added flavor. For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps your dish sweet and delicious without animal products. Feel free to mix and match your veggies. Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add color and crunch. Cauliflower florets or bok choy also make a tasty addition. Always aim for fresh vegetables for the best taste. Cooking times may vary, so watch them closely to keep that perfect crunch! Store your Garlic Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When storing, let the dish cool to room temperature. This prevents moisture build-up. Always label your container with the date for easy tracking. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To avoid freezer burn, use plastic wrap or foil to seal your container tightly. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat your stir fry on the stove for the best results. Warm it over medium heat, stirring often. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the veggies crisp. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the flavor. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. Change the water if it gets too warm. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This step helps the shrimp sear better. This dish pairs well with several sides. You can serve it over steamed white rice or brown rice. Noodles are another great option. For a fresh touch, add a side salad or some pickled vegetables. These sides enhance the meal and add more flavor. To make the stir fry gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that gives a similar taste. Make sure to check labels on all sauces used. Additionally, ensure the rice vinegar is gluten-free as well. If you don't have sesame oil, try using olive oil or avocado oil. Both oils work well for stir-frying. They have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the dish. However, if you can, use toasted sesame oil for that unique nutty taste. This blog post covered the essential steps to create a tasty Garlic Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry. We went over the ingredients, including main items and substitutions. You learned how to prepare and cook shrimp, vegetables, and flavor-filled aromatics. I shared tips for the best flavor and common mistakes to avoid. In the end, you can customize this dish in many ways. Whether you prefer shrimp, veggies, or different flavors, the options are close to endless. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your own touch!

Garlic Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry

Whip up a delicious Garlic Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry that’s perfect for any night of the week! This quick and easy recipe features juicy shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful garlic sauce that will impress your family and friends. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and get cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

1 cup snap peas, trimmed

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced (julienned)

1 cup broccoli florets

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Shrimp: Begin by rinsing the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water. Once clean, use a paper towel to gently pat them dry. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

    Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it's hot enough for cooking.

      Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir them continuously for about 30 seconds, making sure they become fragrant but do not burn. The aroma should be inviting!

        Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn a lovely pink color and become opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to prevent overcooking.

          Stir Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the snap peas, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften while retaining a delightful crunch.

            Combine and Flavor: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Pour this flavorful mixture over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing everything together until evenly coated and heated through (approximately 2 minutes).

              Finishing Touches: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir-fry, mixing well to incorporate. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or soy sauce according to your preference.

                Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your stir-fry with freshly sliced green onions for an added pop of color and flavor. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the dish in a large, colorful bowl and sprinkle additional sesame seeds and green onions on top. Pairing it with a lime wedge on the side can add a zesty touch!