Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-fry
Juicy shrimp and a colorful mix of crisp vegetables tossed in a bright, savory lemon-ginger sauce. This healthy, low-sodium stir-fry is a perfect one-pan weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the ingredients
- b.Pat the shrimp very dry with a paper towel. This is key for a good sear.
- c.Chop the broccoli, slice the bell pepper and zucchini, and mince the garlic and ginger.
- d.Keep all your prepared ingredients nearby as stir-frying moves quickly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the stir-fry sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and salt.
- c.Mix well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry the vegetables
- b.Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- d.Add the sliced bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- e.Finally, add the zucchini, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and aromatics are fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the shrimp and finish
- b.Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan to make space in the center.
- c.Add the shrimp to the center in a single layer. Cook for about 1 minute per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- d.Give the sauce a final whisk and pour it over everything in the pan.
- e.Stir constantly for 1 minute as the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables.
- f.Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and serve
- b.Transfer the stir-fry to serving bowls.
- c.Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your pan is very hot before adding ingredients for a proper sear, not a steam.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. If making a larger batch, cook in two stages.
- 3Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 4The lemon-based sauce is light; don't cook it for too long or the fresh flavor will diminish.
- 5Patting the shrimp completely dry is the most important step for getting a beautiful pink sear.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace shrimp with 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Stir-fry the tofu until golden before adding the vegetables.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes along with the garlic and ginger for a bit of heat.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of shrimp to 600g or add 1 cup of shelled edamame along with the zucchini.
low carbLow carb
This dish is naturally low in carbs. Serve it on its own or with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or noodles.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, without a high fat content.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The colorful mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini offers a wealth of essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium.
Supports Heart Health
This recipe is low in saturated fat and uses heart-healthy avocado oil. The absence of high-sodium sauces also helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Quick and Nutrient-Dense
Stir-frying is a quick cooking method that helps retain more of the vegetables' nutrients compared to boiling.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy dish. It's packed with lean protein from shrimp, and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the variety of fresh vegetables. The sauce is light and low in sodium, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.