Shrimp and Spinach Stir-Fry
A quick, colorful stir-fry combining tender shrimp, crisp spinach, and savory soy glaze for a healthy and flavorful meal. This asian-inspired seafood (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (thawed) shrimp, chopped spinach, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 12 oz (thawed) shrimp
- 4 cups, chopped spinach
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 cup, cooked rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp water to create a glaze. Pour over the spinach and stir to coat.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, stir to combine, and top with 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Serve over cooked rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shrimp and Spinach Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Shrimp and Spinach 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 (thawed) shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp and Spinach 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 Shrimp and Spinach 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.
Is Shrimp and Spinach Stir-Fry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.