Firecracker Shrimp Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry with plump shrimp and crisp vegetables in a tangy-spicy sauce, ready in 30 minutes. This asian ready in about 30 minutes pairs Shrimp, Bell peppers, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 200 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp chili oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 thinly sliced bell pepper and 1 thinly sliced onion, cooking for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Firecracker Shrimp Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Firecracker Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Firecracker Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Firecracker Shrimp Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Firecracker Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes