Shrimp And Mixed Vegetables: A Quick Chinese Stir-Fry

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Craving a delicious and healthy Chinese meal? Look no further than shrimp with mixed vegetables! This vibrant dish is quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Why This Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry Works

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftover produce. The shrimp cooks quickly, ensuring a speedy meal, and the light sauce complements the flavors without being overpowering.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well.
  • Mixed Vegetables: A combination of broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas adds color and texture. Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy.
  • Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics form the base of the flavorful sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the sauce. (Optional, but recommended!)
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
  • Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
  • Cooking Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil works well for stir-frying.

How to Make Shrimp with Mixed Vegetables

  1. Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables: Ensure your shrimp is thawed, peeled, and deveined. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and a splash of water.
  3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Heat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the wok and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes).
  5. Add the Shrimp: Push the vegetables to one side of the wok and add the shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).
  6. Combine and Sauce: Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
  7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

  • Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the vegetables and shrimp cook evenly.
  • Use high heat: This helps to create a slight char and prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy.
  • Prepare all ingredients in advance: Stir-frying is a quick process, so it's important to have everything ready before you start.
  • Adjust the sauce to your liking: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a touch of honey for sweetness.

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Shrimp and Vegetables: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Cashew Shrimp and Vegetables: Toss in some roasted cashews for added crunch and flavor.
  • Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Keep it simple with just shrimp and broccoli.

Health Benefits

Shrimp and mixed vegetables is a healthy and balanced meal. Shrimp is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Enjoy this quick, easy, and delicious shrimp with mixed vegetables recipe! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to get your veggies in.