If you’re craving a flavorful, healthy dinner that bursts with color, spice, and freshness, you’ve got to try this 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brightens up any weeknight with minimal effort but maximum impact, combining crisp-tender broccoli, sweet red bell peppers, and green beans with perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a fragrant mix of garlic, ginger, and a kick of crushed red pepper flakes. Whether you’re a busy bee or just want something vibrant and satisfying on the table fast, this recipe is a total game-changer you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun here. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering layers of taste, texture, and those popping colors that make this dish so irresistible. The simplicity of these fresh and pantry-friendly items means you can whip this up anytime without a fuss.
- Broccoli florets (1 1/2 cups): Chopped into bite-sized pieces for that perfect crunch and vibrant green hue.
- Red bell pepper (½, sliced): Adds a sweet, colorful pop to balance the heat.
- Green beans (1 cup): Offer a fresh snap and subtle sweetness to the mix.
- Shrimp (8oz/250g, peeled and deveined): Quick-cooking and packed with protein for a hearty boost.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced for an aromatic, savory punch.
- Grated ginger (1 tbsp): Provides warmth and zest that lifts every bite.
- Scallions (2, chopped): Sprinkle in for a fresh, mild onion flavor and garnish.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): The cooking medium that enhances flavors without overpowering.
- Tamari sauce (1 tbsp): Adds salty depth and umami, a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1 tsp): The secret to that signature spicy kick in this stir-fry.
How to Make 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before the heat hits the pan, chop the broccoli, slice the red bell pepper, and trim the green beans. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the scallions—all your ingredients ready to roll so you can stir-fry seamlessly and keep the kitchen rhythm going strong.
Step 2: Start Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat and throw in the broccoli florets and green beans. I love covering the pan for the first 1-2 minutes to help the broccoli steam just a bit and soften, especially if your green beans are frozen like mine. Just be sure to keep it brief to avoid mushy veggies; you want them bright and crisp.
Step 3: Add the Red Bell Pepper
Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and stir everything together for another 3-4 minutes. This step adds a lovely sweetness and that gorgeous splash of red color to the dish, making it as pretty as it is delicious.
Step 4: Incorporate Tamari and Shrimp
Pour in the tamari sauce so it can start to infuse those veggies with deep umami flavor, then add your shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry them gently for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink and curling up—this quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 5: Spice it Up and Finish
Finally, mix in the minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped scallions. Let everything mingle and cook for another 2-3 minutes. By now, your shrimp will be perfectly cooked, and the vegetables will be crisp-tender with just the right bit of heat to excite your taste buds.
Step 6: Serve Immediately!
The best part is you get to enjoy this warm, spicy, and vibrant stir-fry straight from the pan while it’s fresh and bursting with flavor. Grab your chopsticks or fork and dig in!
How to Serve 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra tamari can add a lovely finishing touch. Fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime can brighten things up and lend a little more dimension to your meal.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, or even a simple quinoa salad for those who want an extra nourishing side. For a low-carb twist, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies to keep things light.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your spicy shrimp and vegetable stir-fry in colorful bowls topped with crunchy nuts like cashews or peanuts. You can also wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun finger-food option that’s perfect for casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you do happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good to eat for up to 2 days, keeping their vibrant flavors and texture surprisingly well.
Freezing
Because the vegetables in this stir-fry are at their best fresh, freezing is not ideal as it can alter their texture. If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately and add fresh veggies when ready to reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat just until everything’s heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep the shrimp tender and the vegetables crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan. Frozen shrimp work great for a quick and easy weeknight dish.
What can I substitute for tamari sauce?
If you don’t have tamari on hand, a good quality soy sauce will work well. For gluten-free options, coconut aminos is a popular alternative that brings a similar umami flavor.
How spicy is this 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe?
The heat mostly comes from the crushed red pepper flakes, which you can adjust according to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you like it fiery—this recipe is very adaptable!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This stir-fry is incredibly flexible. Mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn would all be delightful additions. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly for larger or denser veggies.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is low in carbs and loaded with protein and veggies, making it a great option for keto or low-carb diets. Just be mindful of the tamari or soy sauce brand to ensure it fits your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like a quick, vibrant, and satisfying dish to lift your spirits and fill your belly, and this 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible enough to become your go-to when you need something wholesome without the hassle. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!
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15-Minute Spicy Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and quick 15-minute spicy shrimp and vegetable stir-fry is a perfect healthy meal packed with fresh broccoli, red bell pepper, green beans, and succulent shrimp. Flavored with garlic, ginger, tamari sauce, and a kick of crushed red pepper flakes, this dish delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch in record time.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 scallions, chopped
Protein
- 8 oz (250g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Condiments & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tamari sauce
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, slice the red bell pepper, and prepare the green beans. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the scallions so everything is ready for a quick cook.
- Start Stir-Frying Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and green beans and stir-fry them, covering the pan for 1-2 minutes to allow the broccoli to soften slightly and green beans to thaw (if frozen). Be careful not to overcook to avoid mushiness.
- Add Bell Pepper: Add the sliced red bell pepper to the pan and continue stir-frying the vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes, maintaining a good crisp texture.
- Add Sauce and Shrimp: Stir in the tamari sauce evenly to coat the vegetables, then add the shrimp. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp begin to turn opaque and pink.
- Finish with Aromatics and Spice: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped scallions. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy your spicy shrimp and vegetable stir-fry hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use frozen green beans or fresh; if using frozen, cover the pan briefly in step 2 to help thaw and cook them through.
- Tamari sauce is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, but regular soy sauce can be used if preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your taste.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
