Looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner? This prawn (shrimp) stir fry is the perfect dish for busy professionals and seafood enthusiasts.
Packed with vibrant vegetables, juicy prawns, and a flavorful sauce, it’s a meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Keep reading for the full recipe and tips to make this dish sing with flavors!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, it’s ideal for a busy schedule.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with veggies and lean protein.
- Versatile: Swap veggies, tweak the sauce, or serve with rice or noodles.
- Bursting with Flavor: The perfect balance of umami, savoriness, and a hint of zing.
Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just looking to experiment with prawns, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for Prawn Stir Fry
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easily found in any grocery store.
Prawns (Shrimp)
- 1 lb (450g) of fresh or frozen prawns, peeled and deveined
- Tip: If using frozen prawns, thaw them in cold water for 10 minutes before use.
Vegetables
- Bell Peppers (red, green, yellow): 1 cup, sliced
- Broccoli florets: 1 cup
- Carrots: 1 cup, thinly sliced
- Snow Peas or Green Beans: 1 cup
- Spring Onions (Scallions): ½ cup, chopped
- Tip: Feel free to use other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even baby corn!
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water for a glossy sauce
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil for cooking
- Cooked jasmine rice, white rice, or noodles (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Prawn Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- If your prawns are not deveined, do so by running a small knife along their backs and removing the vein.
Step 2: Stir Fry the Prawns
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the prawns, stir fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Tip: Avoid overcooking prawns as they can become rubbery.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the remaining oil to the wok and toss in the harder vegetables first (broccoli, carrots). Stir fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers, snow peas, and spring onions. Stir fry for another 2 minutes, leaving the vegetables crisp-tender.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Pour the sauce into the vegetables and toss evenly to coat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce (optional but gives a restaurant-quality texture).
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the prawns back to the wok and stir well to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
- Allow everything to heat through for another minute.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot over a bed of rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, spring onions, or chili flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Stir Fry
- Use High Heat: Stir frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat to preserve the crunch of the veggies.
- Prep Before Cook: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready because stir frying happens fast!
- Choose the Right Pan: A wok is ideal for stir fries due to its shape and ability to distribute heat evenly.
- Customize Your Veggies: Use what’s in your fridge—this recipe is perfect for using up leftover vegetables.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overloading the pan can steam your ingredients instead of giving them a nice sear.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Professionals
- Time-Saving: Total cooking time is under 20 minutes.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Double the recipe and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Healthy Yet Satisfying: A great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet!
Common Questions About Prawn Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Prawns?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking. This prevents excess water in the wok that might dilute the flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Prawns?
You can easily swap prawns for chicken, tofu, or thinly sliced beef. Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the protein.
Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari, and ensure your other sauces are gluten-free varieties.
How Can I Add Spice?
Toss in diced chilies or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
A Recipe to Add to Your Weekly Rotation
With its unbeatable combination of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity, this prawn stir fry deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. Perfectly customizable and endlessly satisfying, it’s a dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Take it to the Next Level
Looking for more ways to up your stir fry game? Check out our collection of stir fry recipes [here]! From chicken to veggie stir fry ideas, you’ll find something for every taste.
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