Looking for a quick and tasty dinner that packs a punch? You’ve found it! My Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors for a meal in less than 30 minutes. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also lets you customize it with your favorite veggies. Get ready to impress your family or enjoy a satisfying solo meal with this simple recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup snap peas
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
Seasonings and Sauces
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishing and Serving
– Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
– Lemon wedges, for serving
When making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, start with fresh shrimp. Look for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves time and makes cooking easy. The shrimp should be plump and have a slight sheen.
Next, gather your veggies. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Snap peas give a nice crunch, while zucchini offers a soft texture. These veggies pair well with shrimp and absorb the flavors beautifully.
For seasoning, cornstarch is key. It gives the shrimp a nice crust and helps the sauce stick. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while lemon juice and zest add brightness. Don’t forget to taste! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for perfect balance.
Finally, for garnishing, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the dish. Lemon wedges on the side add a zesty kick when served. This simple yet tasty preparation makes the dish visually appealing and delightful to eat.
For the full recipe, be sure to check the detailed instructions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
First, grab a medium bowl. Toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This helps the shrimp get a nice outer layer. Make sure each shrimp is coated well. This step adds texture and keeps them juicy.
Cooking the Shrimp
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink. When they do, they are ready. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Stir-frying the Vegetables
Now, add the rest of the olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it for about 30 seconds. This step fills your kitchen with a great smell. Then, add the sliced bell pepper, snap peas, and zucchini. Stir-fry these veggies for 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp.
Combining Ingredients
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Make sure the shrimp and veggies get well-coated in the sauce.
Final Touches
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. For a bright touch, add lemon wedges on the side.
For the complete guide, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Cook
To get shrimp just right, watch the cooking time. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. Remove them as soon as they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Trust me, you want them tender!
Making it Healthier
You can make this dish healthier by using low-sodium soy sauce. This helps cut down on salt. Add extra veggies like carrots or broccoli for more nutrients. They add color and crunch, making the dish even better!
Presentation Suggestions
For a beautiful plate, serve the stir-fry over rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A few lemon wedges on the side give a pop of color and flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas!
Variations
Adding Spice
I love adding a kick to my lemon garlic shrimp stir fry. You can easily spice things up. Just toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Start with a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. If you want more heat, add more! Sriracha can also add flavor and heat. Just a spoonful will do the trick. Adjust it to your taste for a perfect blend.
Different Proteins
If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can switch proteins. Chicken or tofu works great, too. For chicken, use boneless, skinless pieces. Cut them into bite-sized chunks. Cook them just like the shrimp. For tofu, use firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Sauté it until golden brown before adding the veggies. This keeps your meal diverse and fun.
Seasonal Vegetables
Feel free to tweak the veggies based on what’s in season. Spring brings fresh asparagus and peas. In summer, you can use bell peppers or corn. Fall is perfect for adding squash or mushrooms. Winter veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts add a hearty touch. Mixing seasonal veggies not only boosts flavor but also keeps your dish fresh and healthy.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors and moisture locked in. Place the container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Your stir fry will last up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, make sure to check for any changes in color or smell.
Reheating Tips
Reheating shrimp can be tricky. You want to avoid overcooking them. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about three to five minutes, stirring gently. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tender. You can also microwave it, but use short bursts of 30 seconds to prevent rubbery shrimp.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze the stir fry! Pack it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet when you’re ready to eat. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To meal prep, cook the shrimp and veggies as usual. Let them cool, then store in airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat in a pan until warm.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry?
This stir-fry pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options:
– Steamed rice
– Quinoa
– Noodles
– Cauliflower rice
– A fresh salad
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is great for meal prep. Store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for three days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to keep the shrimp tender.
What are the health benefits of shrimp?
Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. It is a good source of key vitamins and minerals. Here are some benefits:
– Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
– Contains antioxidants
– Supports heart health
– Low in saturated fat
How to adjust the recipe for larger servings?
You can easily scale up the recipe for more people. To do this, just multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you want. For example, for eight servings, use two pounds of shrimp and double the veggies. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
In this blog post, we explored a delicious lemon garlic shrimp stir fry. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. You learned how to mix flavors and achieve perfect texture. I shared ways to make it healthier and variations to try. Finally, we discussed storage and meal prep options. Enjoy creating this easy dish that’s tasty and versatile. With just a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Happy cooking!
