If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s both quick and satisfying, this Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Recipe is absolutely the way to go. The succulent shrimp pairs beautifully with tender yet crisp zucchini, all brought together by a luscious, slightly sweet teriyaki sauce made from scratch. It’s a dish that manages to be elegant and comforting at the same time, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners when you want maximum taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key for this dish’s fantastic balance of flavors and textures. Each component is simple but essential, working together to create that perfect harmony of salty, sweet, tangy, and fresh notes.
- 1 lb large shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for easy cooking and a tender bite.
- 2 medium zucchinis: Sliced into half moons to add a bright green color and a delightful crunch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for stir frying and helps develop a subtle richness in the veggies and shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional): Adds an irresistible nutty depth when stirred in during cooking.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the homemade teriyaki sauce.
- 1/4 cup water: Balances the sauce and helps achieve the right consistency.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Brings the perfect touch of sweetness to the savory sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a gentle acidity that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Infuses warmth and subtle spice for an authentic teriyaki flavor.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds aromatic punch and depth.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): For thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy shine.
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry): Mixed with cornstarch to seamlessly thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra texture and subtle nuttiness.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to meld all those bold flavors together. This homemade sauce is the secret ingredient that lifts the dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Next, create a smooth slurry with one teaspoon of cornstarch mixed into one tablespoon of water. Stir this slurry into your simmering sauce, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce turning glossy and thickening beautifully, perfect for coating the shrimp and zucchini later.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil—plus sesame oil if you’re using it—over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re just pink and opaque. Once done, set the shrimp aside so they stay tender and juicy without overcooking later.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Zucchini
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced zucchini halves and stir fry for 3-4 minutes. You want these tender but with a nice crispness to provide texture contrast against the succulent shrimp.
Step 5: Combine and Coat
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then pour your homemade teriyaki sauce over everything. Toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated, letting the sauce hug the shrimp and zucchini in all its flavorful goodness.
Step 6: Final Cook and Caramelize
Let the stir fry cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step allows the sauce to heat through and slightly caramelize, deepening the taste and giving the dish a beautiful glaze.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if desired. These little touches add vibrant color and an appealing crunch right before serving.
How to Serve Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions really elevates the dish visually and texturally. They add bursts of nuttiness and freshness that balance the sweet and savory sauce wonderfully. A wedge of lime on the side can also brighten the overall flavor if you love a hint of citrus.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines beautifully over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, soaking up every drop of that amazing homemade teriyaki sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it as is or alongside simple garlic noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual bowls topped with extra green onions and a drizzle of sriracha for anyone who likes a bit of heat. Another fun idea is to pile it over a bed of fresh mixed greens to turn it into a hearty salad. It’s versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and zucchini crisp.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing, and zucchini may become watery. If you choose to freeze leftovers, store them separately in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to warm evenly without drying out the shrimp. Alternatively, microwave leftovers on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t become soggy.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a gluten-free or lower-sodium option, tamari or coconut aminos work wonderfully as flavorful alternatives in the teriyaki sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce for extra depth.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce during the stir fry step to give your dish some kick without overpowering the teriyaki flavors.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Yes! The homemade teriyaki sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making weekday cooking even easier.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Recipe is truly a gem to keep in your recipe collection. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious and wholesome. Give it a try—you’ll love how this simple combination turns into a star meal on your dinner table!
Print
Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful shrimp and zucchini stir fry featuring a homemade teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, combining tender shrimp and crisp zucchini with a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
Ingredients
Seafood and Vegetables
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half moons
Stir Fry Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat to begin melding the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and sesame oil (if using) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Zucchini: In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine Shrimp and Zucchini: Return cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the zucchini. Pour the homemade teriyaki sauce over them and toss evenly to coat.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and slightly caramelize on the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy as a low-carb meal on its own.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- Adding sesame oil is optional but adds a nice nutty flavor to the stir fry.
- Vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can be added to increase the veggie content.
- Ensure shrimp is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or soba noodles.
