What Are the Best Tips for Making Shrimp Stir Fry?

Shrimp stir fry is a healthy, delicious meal that is relatively easy to make and is simple to customize based on an individual or family's tastes. It is made with fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and with the tails cut off, as well as fresh vegetables and certain spices and seasonings. It may be served and eaten plain, but it is also commonly served over rice or pasta to make the dish more filling. There are a number of different recipes for shrimp stir fry to be found online, but this also makes a great dish to experiment with, because it is pretty tough to mess it up.

It is generally easiest to purchase pre-cooked shrimp, whether it is fresh or frozen. Of course, fresh, uncooked shrimp may be used as well and simply boiled for a few minutes to cook, or just cooked right in the pan. When thawing frozen shrimp, remember to run it under cold water -- not warm, which can cause bacteria to grow -- in order to defrost it safely.

The type of oil used for a stir fry varies depending on taste preferences. Vegetable oil or canola oil can both be used, though olive oil represents a slightly healthier option. Sesame oil is another choice, though it is pretty high in fat. Sauces such as soy sauce or teriyaki sauce are often added for flavor, and some people also choose to add some chicken broth at the end to make more of a sauce. It is important to keep the liquid fairly low while stir-frying, though, in order to actually sear the food in the shrimp stir fry.

If desired, be sure to prepare the vegetables that will be included in a shrimp stir fry. Peppers and broccoli are some of the most common options. Some people like to add bean sprouts, snap peas, sliced onions, or any other favorite vegetables. Typically, the oil is heated first, then the vegetables are cooked, and the shrimp are added last because they tend to take the least amount of time, especially if they are pre-cooked. The whole process does not take more than a few minutes.

Seasonings or additions can help make the dish even better. A bit of salt and pepper may be added, as well as fresh minced garlic or even just garlic powder. Sesame seeds can be a nice addition, especially if the food was fried in sesame oil. For those whole like it spicy, red pepper flakes are an easy way to do this. Once everything is hot, the shrimp stir fry may be immediately served plain, or over rice or pasta.