There is something irresistibly fresh and vibrant about this Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe that makes it a go-to weeknight dinner for so many. The tender, juicy shrimp paired with crisp-tender snow peas creates a delightful balance of textures, while the savory sauces bring a harmony of flavors that sing in every bite. It’s quick to whip up, packed with nutrients, and colorful enough to brighten your plate and your mood. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite dishes to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish sing. Each component is simple but essential, contributing unique flavors and textures that create the perfect stir-fry harmony.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp are key for a tender and juicy protein that cooks quickly.
- Snow peas, trimmed: Their natural sweetness and crispness add a beautiful crunch and vibrant green color.
- Mushrooms, sliced: They bring earthiness and a meaty texture to balance the bright veggies.
- Garlic, minced: A little garlic infuses the whole dish with warmth and aromatic depth.
- Soy sauce: This salty, savory staple adds umami and depth to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: It enriches the stir-fry with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle gives a lovely nutty aroma that elevates the entire meal.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance every ingredient naturally.
- Cooking oil: Choose a neutral oil suitable for high heat to ensure perfect stir-frying.
How to Make Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Heat Oil
Begin by heating your cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. The right temperature ensures your shrimp cook quickly without sticking, and everything gets a delicious sear.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot pan. Cook them undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a pretty pink and become opaque. This is the moment when shrimp reach their perfect tenderness. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
With the same pan, toss in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Let them sizzle and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their delicious earthy flavor, mingling beautifully with the garlic.
Step 4: Add Snow Peas
Next, add the trimmed snow peas. Stir them around for 1 to 2 minutes just until they turn bright green and remain tender-crisp. Their snap adds fantastic texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked shrimp back to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together gently so the shrimp, veggies, and sauces coat evenly in that flavorful blend.
Step 6: Season
Season the stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last minute of cooking, ensuring all ingredients are hot and infused with those wonderful sauces.
Step 7: Serve
This stir-fry shines best served immediately over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles, soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce.
How to Serve Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can bring your dish to the next level both in appearance and taste. Try topping with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or thinly sliced green onions for a burst of fresh color and mild onion flavor.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for extra fiber, but it’s also fantastic alongside garlic noodles or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter, hands-on meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the stir-fry in a rustic bowl topped with crispy fried shallots or a wedge of lime for a zesty finish. You could also turn it into a vibrant stir-fry salad by tossing it with mixed greens and a drizzle of dressing for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the shrimp’s tender texture and the veggies’ crispness.
Freezing
While freezing shrimp stir-fry is possible, it’s not ideal because the snow peas and mushrooms may become mushy when thawed. If you must freeze, store without snow peas and add fresh ones when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving too long to keep shrimp juicy and veggies from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, drain well, and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir-fry.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar to mimic the sweetness and depth oyster sauce provides.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn all work beautifully. Just add them at the step where you add the snow peas, adjusting the cooking time to keep everything crisp.
How spicy is this dish?
This Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe is naturally mild, but you can easily dial up the heat with chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies when sautéing the garlic and mushrooms.
Is sesame oil necessary?
While optional, sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty fragrance that truly enhances the flavor profile. A little goes a long way, so just a drizzle at the end is perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration on your plate every time you make it. Simple ingredients transform into something special with just a few quick steps. I can’t encourage you enough to try it yourself—once you do, you’ll find it hard to go back to anything less vibrant or flavorful. Enjoy every bite and feel free to make it your own!
Print
Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry featuring tender shrimp, crisp snow peas, and savory mushrooms tossed in a delicious soy and oyster sauce blend. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes and delivers a satisfying combination of textures and Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz snow peas, trimmed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing the pan for stir-frying.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the same pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their moisture and soften.
- Add Snow Peas: Toss in the trimmed snow peas and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the snow peas are bright green and tender-crisp, retaining a slight crunch.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and drizzle the sesame oil over. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly in the flavorful sauce.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir and cook for an additional minute until the dish is heated through and flavors meld together.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and snow pea stir-fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce during step 5.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked; remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to retain tenderness.
- Snow peas should remain crisp; avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Use a wok if available to achieve high heat and quick cooking, but a large skillet works well too.
- This dish can be served with jasmine or brown rice to add whole grain benefits.
