Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to share this delightful and super easy recipe with you – the 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry! It’s my go-to weeknight dinner because it’s not only a breeze to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor and color. I don’t know about you, but when life gets busy, I still crave delicious food that doesn’t involve spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This recipe is a lifesaver!
I remember the first time I made this stir-fry – I was running late after a long day at work, and I had a bunch of veggies that were just begging to be used before they turned into wilty sad things in my fridge. I threw everything into a pan, and before I knew it, I was sitting down to a steaming bowl of spicy shrimp goodness! Now, it’s become my family’s favorite and one of those meals I can just whip up in a flash without even thinking about it. So, let’s jump right into how to make this fantastic dish!
What’s in 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry?
Shrimp: The star of the dish! I prefer using peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. You can go for fresh or frozen; just make sure to thaw them out beforehand if you choose frozen.
Broccoli florets: A powerhouse of nutrients, these little green trees add not just color, but also a lovely crunch.
Green beans: I love green beans for their crisp texture. They pair perfectly with the shrimp and take just the right amount of time to cook up.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and vibrant, red bell pepper adds a pop of color and is rich in vitamin C. It’s a favorite of mine in stir-fries!
Garlic and ginger: These two are the dynamic duo! They bring all the amazing flavors together and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Soy sauce: The umami flavor magician that is essential in stir-fries. Feel free to use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Sesame oil: Just a touch of this nutty oil really elevates the whole dish. It brings a delightful aroma and flavor that I absolutely adore.
Chili flakes: Spice it up according to your taste! This is where you can really customize the heat level. I typically use about one teaspoon because I like a little kick!
Olive oil: This is my go-to cooking oil, but feel free to use any other oil you prefer.
Salt and pepper: A dash of these is crucial to season things to perfection.
Optional: If you want to make it a full meal, I highly recommend serving this stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles. It’s like a tiny hug in a bowl!
Is 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is not just a quick dinner option; it’s also full of nutritious ingredients.
Shrimp: They are low in calories and high in protein, making them a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.
Broccoli: This veggies is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
Green beans: They are low in calories and high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.
Red bell peppers: Packed with vitamin C, they are great for your immune system and skin health.
Just remember, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to go easy on the soy sauce, or choose low-sodium options. Otherwise, feel free to dig in guilt-free!
Ingredients
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Cooked rice or noodles for serving
This recipe serves 4, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week!
How to Make 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry?
1. Prepare all ingredients ahead of time. Wash and chop the vegetables, peel and devein the shrimp, and measure out your sauces and spices.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toss the shrimp into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
5. Now, add the broccoli, green beans, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until the veggies are vibrant and slightly tender.
6. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to blend everything evenly. Give it another minute to cook through.
7. Remove from heat and serve piping hot, either on its own or over cooked rice or noodles. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Stir-Fry Secrets: Tips and Variations
– To save even more time, you can prep your vegetables in advance or use pre-chopped veggies from the store. Trust me; no judgment here!
– Feel free to switch up the veggies based on what you have. Zucchini, carrots, or snap peas would be fabulous in this stir-fry as well!
– If you want to add a little more oomph, don’t hesitate to throw in some sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish!
– Lastly, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily swap it out for chicken, tofu, or your protein of choice.
I really hope you give this 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry a try! It’s quick, healthy, and downright delicious. Plus, if you throw some extra veggies into the mix, you can pat yourself on the back for eating a rainbow! Let me know how it turns out, and happy cooking!
