Name: Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry: Quick, Healthy & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (large or jumbo preferred); 8 ounces snow peas, trimmed; 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or extra soy sauce); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish); Cooked rice, for serving

Shrimp snow peas stir fry: just the name conjures up images of vibrant colors and fresh, crisp flavors, doesn't it? I'm thrilled to share this incredibly easy and delicious recipe with you. Forget ordering takeout tonight; you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes!

Stir-fries, with their roots deeply embedded in Chinese culinary tradition, are more than just a quick cooking method. They represent a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, a celebration of fresh ingredients cooked at high heat to retain their natural goodness. While the exact origins are debated, the wok, the quintessential stir-frying tool, has been used in China for centuries, evolving into the versatile pan we know and love today.

What makes a shrimp snow peas stir fry so universally appealing? It's the perfect combination of succulent shrimp, the satisfying crunch of snow peas, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. People adore this dish because it's light yet filling, healthy, and incredibly customizable. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. Plus, it's a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet! So, let's get cooking and create a culinary masterpiece together!

Ingredients:

Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined (I prefer using large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe)
Snow Peas: 8 ounces, trimmed
Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced
Yellow Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced
Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, low sodium
Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (this adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can substitute with more soy sauce if needed)
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (vegetable broth works too!)
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (balances the savory flavors)
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Cooked Rice: For serving (I like jasmine rice, but any rice will do)

Preparing the Shrimp and Vegetables:

First, let's get the shrimp ready. If you bought frozen shrimp, make sure it's completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is important because it helps them brown nicely in the stir-fry instead of steaming.
Now, let's prep the vegetables. Trim the ends off the snow peas and remove any strings along the sides. I find this step makes them more tender and enjoyable to eat.
Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. I like to remove the seeds and membranes first.
Thinly slice the onion. You can use a mandoline for this if you have one, but a sharp knife works just as well.
Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Fresh garlic and ginger are key to a flavorful stir-fry!

Making the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (or extra soy sauce), sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps in your sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or a pinch more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Stir-Frying the Shrimp and Vegetables:

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. This is crucial for achieving that characteristic stir-fry flavor and texture. The wok should be almost smoking hot.
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides.
Add the shrimp to the wok in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the wok, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
Stir-fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they'll become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still crisp-tender.
Add the garlic and ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the snow peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
Return the cooked shrimp to the wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp is heated through and coated with the sauce.

Serving:

Remove the shrimp and vegetable stir-fry from the heat.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve immediately over cooked rice. I find that jasmine rice complements the flavors of this dish perfectly.

Tips for the Best Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry:

Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This helps to sear the ingredients and create that signature wok hei flavor.
Don't Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
Prepare Everything in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast process, so it's important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes chopping the vegetables, mincing the garlic and ginger, and making the sauce.
Adjust the Seasonings to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes to suit your personal preferences.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always result in a more flavorful dish.
Consider Marinating the Shrimp: For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch works well.
Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stir-fry, such as broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
Make it Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein.

Variations:

Spicy Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for a spicier dish.
Garlic Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry: Increase the amount of garlic for a more garlicky flavor.
Ginger Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry: Increase the amount of ginger for a more gingery flavor.
Lemon Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a brighter flavor.
Cashew Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry: Add cashews to the stir-fry for a crunchy texture.

Storage Instructions:

Store any leftover shrimp and snow pea stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy shrimp and snow pea stir-fry! It's one of my go-to weeknight meals, and I'm sure it will become one of yours too.

Conclusion:

This Shrimp and Snow Peas Stir Fry isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a vibrant, flavorful experience that's incredibly easy to pull off. The delicate sweetness of the snow peas perfectly complements the succulent shrimp, all brought together by a savory sauce that's both satisfying and light. If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that will impress your family or even a dinner guest, then this recipe is an absolute must-try. I truly believe it will become a staple in your rotation. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha at the end. If you're not a fan of snow peas, try using broccoli florets, asparagus, or even sliced bell peppers. Want to add more protein? Tofu or chicken work beautifully in this stir fry as well. Serving Suggestions: I personally love serving this Shrimp and Snow Peas Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a healthier option. Quinoa or even cauliflower rice are also fantastic choices if you're watching your carbs. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some chopped green onions on top adds a lovely finishing touch. Variations to Explore: * Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Snow Peas: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor. * Coconut Curry Shrimp and Snow Peas: Incorporate a tablespoon of red curry paste and a splash of coconut milk into the sauce for a creamy and aromatic twist. * Spicy Peanut Shrimp and Snow Peas: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter and a dash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce for a nutty and spicy flavor explosion. * Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shrimp with firm tofu, cut into cubes and pan-fried until golden brown. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I've poured my heart into creating a dish that's both delicious and easy to make, and I truly believe you'll love it as much as I do. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. The beauty of a stir fry is that it's incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And most importantly, don't forget to share your experience with me! I'd love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and how much you enjoyed this shrimp snow peas stir fry. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or send me an email. I can't wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!