Hey friend, are you in the mood for something light, fresh, and full of flavor? This Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry is the answer! Picture juicy shrimp seared to perfection, paired with tender zucchini and tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your weeknight rotation.
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Now, let’s chat about why you’ll absolutely love this recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance. You can even customize it with extra veggies or switch up the protein—it’s that flexible!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry
This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this stir fry is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or picture serving this at a dinner party, where your guests can’t stop talking about how good it is.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re the kind of person who usually avoids complicated recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be super simple so you can enjoy cooking without any stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Want a little heat? Add some chili flakes. Prefer it milder? Just leave out the spice. You’re in control!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This stir fry strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life—simple ingredients that pack a punch:
Shrimp: The star of the show. Plump, tender shrimp that cook up in minutes and soak up all that delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.
Zucchini: Fresh, crisp zucchini that adds the perfect crunch to this stir fry. It balances out the richness of the shrimp and the sauce beautifully.
Bell Peppers: Sweet and slightly tangy, they add a pop of color and flavor that brings the whole dish together.
Garlic: A touch of garlic to give your stir fry a savory kick. You’ll be amazed at how it enhances everything!
Teriyaki Sauce: The homemade sauce is a game-changer. With soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil, it’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and just a little bit of spice.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if needed. Slice the zucchini and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped will make the stir fry process a breeze.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Set aside—this sauce is the magic that ties everything together.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a little oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Stir Fry the Veggies: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in the zucchini, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Add the Sauce: Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over the veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, allowing it to thicken and glaze the veggies.
Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing everything together to ensure the shrimp are coated in that beautiful sauce. Serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors.
How to Serve Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a few side dishes to really round out the meal. Here are some ideas:
Fresh Salads: A light, crisp salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette would make a refreshing contrast to the stir fry’s savory depth.
Rice or Noodles: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal. The sauce soaks into the grains beautifully!
Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots or broccoli would add a nice texture contrast and pack some extra nutrients into your meal.
As a Standalone: If you want to keep things simple, this dish stands perfectly on its own. Just garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few fresh herbs, and you’re set!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Chop and prep the veggies and shrimp the night before, so everything is ready to go when you’re ready to cook.
Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to give the dish a little extra heat.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free option, swap the soy sauce for tamari. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the pan for the best texture.
Double the Batch: This stir fry is perfect for meal prep! Make a double batch, and you’ll have delicious lunches for the week.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chicken, tofu, or even beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on your protein choice.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance, so when you’re ready to cook, it’ll only take minutes.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: This dish doesn’t freeze the best, as shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. However, the stir-fried veggies and sauce can be frozen for up to a month.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just make sure you have a large enough pan or wok to accommodate the extra ingredients, or cook in batches.
Q7: Can I use other veggies besides zucchini and bell peppers?
A7: Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms would be fantastic in this stir fry.
Q8: How can I make this dish less sweet?
A8: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey in the sauce or swap it for a lower-sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Q9: Can I add extra sauce?
A9: Of course! If you love saucy dishes, just double the teriyaki sauce ingredients for extra flavor.
Q10: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
A10: While homemade sauce is best, store-bought works fine in a pinch. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Conclusion
And there you have it! This Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a flavor-packed dish that comes together in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s a winner all around. The fresh ingredients, delicious sauce, and simple steps make it a dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Enjoy!
Print
Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki is a healthy, flavorful alternative to takeout. Featuring zucchini, shrimp, water chestnuts, and a lightened-up teriyaki sauce, it’s a protein-packed, quick, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 scallions, chopped; white and green parts separated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, fresh, minced
- 6 cups zucchini, chopped
- 8 oz sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1.25 lb shrimp, raw
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Chop the scallions, separating the white parts from the green parts. Mince the garlic and ginger. Chop the zucchini.
- In a large frying pan or wok, add cooking spray. Sauté the white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini is golden brown and tender.
- Drain the water chestnuts and add them to the pan. Cook for another minute.
- Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside. Spray the pan with non-stick spray again.
- Add the raw shrimp to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes per side.
- Add the vegetables back into the pan. Combine the teriyaki sauce ingredients and add 1/2 cup of the mixture to the frying pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and sesame seeds.
- In a small saucepan, add the remaining teriyaki sauce and simmer for 5 minutes or until it thickens. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the finished stir fry.
Notes
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 308
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg