Saffron-Glazed Shrimp Stir-Fry
A quick, aromatic stir-fry with succulent shrimp, saffron-infused rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables for a light yet flavorful meal. This asian-inspired asian ready in about 35 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, basmati rice, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 tsp, soaked in 1 tbsp warm water saffron threads
- 1 small head, cut into florets broccoli
- 1 large, sliced bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1, juiced lime
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup basmati rice with 1 3/4 cups water and 1/2 tsp saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp warm water) in a pot. Simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender, then fluff and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 large bell pepper and 1 small broccoli head, stir-frying for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Toss in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Push vegetables to the sides of the pan, add 1 lb shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and curled. Pour in remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 lime juice, and 1 tsp salt. Stir to coat.
- Step 5: Serve the shrimp and vegetables over the cooked rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Saffron-Glazed Shrimp Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Saffron-Glazed 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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron-Glazed 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 Saffron-Glazed Shrimp Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Saffron-Glazed 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
