A 20-minute, vibrant, sweet-savory stir-fry that tastes restaurant-quality but uses simple ingredients you already have.
Stir-fries are the ultimate weeknight heroes. They’re fast, colorful, healthy, and endlessly customizable. This shrimp version highlights crisp-tender vegetables—broccoli, green beans, and carrots—tossed in a glossy sauce that’s salty, sweet, tangy, and aromatic. Shrimp cooks quickly, soaking up the bold flavors while staying succulent.
This dish is perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you want something satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.
⭐ Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
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1 cup green beans, trimmed
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1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame/avocado oil for more flavor)
For the Sauce
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3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium works too)
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger (optional but adds aromatic warmth)
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½ cup water or chicken/vegetable broth
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1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water to make a slurry (for thickening)
Seasonings
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: chili flakes, sriracha, or chili oil for heat
🔪 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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soy sauce
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honey or brown sugar
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vinegar or lemon juice
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minced garlic
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ginger
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water or broth
This mixture should taste slightly salty, lightly sweet, and pleasantly tangy. Set it aside—you’ll add it toward the end.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add:
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broccoli
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green beans
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carrots
Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
The veggies should soften slightly but still have a crisp bite. Stir-frying at high heat helps them stay bright green and prevents steaming.
3. Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp directly on top of the vegetables.
Season lightly with:
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salt
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pepper
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optional chili flakes
Cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway. Shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
4. Add Sauce & Thicken It
Pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until:
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the sauce thickens
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becomes glossy
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clings to the shrimp and vegetables
This should take 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve Hot
Serve immediately over:
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jasmine or basmati rice
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brown rice
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rice noodles
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udon noodles
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quinoa
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cauliflower rice (low-carb option)
Garnish with:
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sesame seeds
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sliced green onions
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toasted sesame oil
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lime wedges
⏱ Time Breakdown
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 2
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Calories: ~390 per serving
🍽️ Taste & Texture Notes
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Shrimp: juicy, tender, lightly sweet
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Broccoli: crisp-tender, earthy
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Carrots: sweet, slightly caramelized
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Green beans: snappy and refreshing
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Sauce: savory, lightly sweet, tangy, garlicky, glossy
The combination makes every bite balanced and satisfying.
🔧 Tips for Best Results
1. Use High Heat
Stir-frying is all about quick cooking at high temperatures, keeping vegetables bright and crisp.
2. Don’t Overcook Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly—usually in 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
3. Slice Vegetables Evenly
Even slicing ensures everything cooks at the same pace.
4. Adjust Sauce to Your Taste
Too salty? Add honey or water.
Too sweet? Add more soy or vinegar.
Want heat? Add chili oil or sriracha.
5. Use Frozen Vegetables (Yes!)
If using frozen broccoli or beans:
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Do not thaw beforehand
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Add a minute to the cooking time
🌱 Substitutions & Variations
Protein Swaps
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Chicken breast strips
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Beef slices
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Tofu or tempeh
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Scallops
Vegetable Swaps
Use anything you have:
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Bell peppers
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Mushrooms
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Snap peas
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Zucchini
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Baby corn
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Cabbage
Sauce Variations
Sweet & Spicy:
Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes.
Garlic Lover’s:
Double the garlic.
Citrusy:
Add lemon or orange zest.
Thai-Inspired:
Add fish sauce + lime juice + basil.
🍱 Meal Prep Instructions
This recipe reheats well for up to 3 days.
To store:
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Pack rice in a container
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Top with stir-fry
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Add extra sauce on the side
Reheat in microwave for 1–1½ minutes, stirring halfway.
🍤 Why This Recipe Works
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Shrimp cooks insanely fast, keeping total time under 20 minutes.
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Cornstarch slurry gives a restaurant-style glossy finish.
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Vegetables add crunch, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.
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Honey and soy provide sweet–savory balance, which makes stir-fries addictive.
