Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe

Shrimp: These are peeled and deveined, providing a tender and juicy protein base for the stir-fry.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a mild flavor and helps cook the ingredients evenly.

Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly fruity flavor, along with a vibrant color.

Yellow bell pepper: Similar to the red, it contributes sweetness and a sunny hue to the dish.

Onion: Provides a savory depth and slight sweetness when cooked.

Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Soy sauce: A salty and umami-rich sauce, make sure it's gluten-free for this recipe.

Sriracha sauce: A spicy chili sauce that adds heat and a touch of sweetness.

Ginger: Fresh and zesty, it adds a warm, spicy note to the stir-fry.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

Green onions: Used as a garnish, they add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

When preparing this spicy shrimp stir-fry, ensure that your shrimp is thoroughly dried with a paper towel before cooking. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents the shrimp from steaming in the pan. Additionally, when sautéing the garlic and ginger, keep a close eye to avoid burning, as they can quickly turn bitter. For a more intense flavor, allow the bell peppers and onion to develop a slight char by not stirring too frequently. This adds a smoky depth to the dish that complements the sriracha and soy sauce.

• Shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based alternative that absorbs flavors well, making it a suitable substitute for shrimp in stir-fry dishes.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor and is excellent for high-heat cooking like stir-frying.

• Red bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter taste but provide a similar crunch and color contrast.

• Yellow bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers offer a similar sweetness and vibrant color to yellow bell peppers.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used when fresh garlic is unavailable, providing a similar flavor profile.

• Soy sauce (gluten-free) - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• Sriracha sauce - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce provides a similar heat and flavor profile, with an added hint of garlic.

• Ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it has a more concentrated flavor, so use sparingly.

• Green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish to add color and freshness.

• Allow the spicy shrimp stir-fry to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the shrimp stir-fry into an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the dish.

• If you plan to enjoy the dish within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the shrimp stir-fry has been stored.

• When you're ready to enjoy the dish again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and vegetables.

• Reheat the stir-fry gently in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out.

• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and garnish with fresh green onions to revive the dish's vibrant flavors.

• Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the vegetables mushy.

• Microwave: Place the spicy shrimp stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water to prevent sticking. Add the leftover stir-fry and gently toss it around the pan for 3-4 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and keeps the shrimp tender.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the spicy shrimp stir-fry evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out. This method is great for reheating larger portions.

• Steamer: If you have a steamer basket, place the stir-fry in a heatproof dish that fits inside the steamer. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until everything is warmed through. This gentle method helps preserve the flavors and textures of the shrimp and vegetables.

• Large pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan is essential for stir-frying, allowing for even cooking and quick heat distribution.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring and flipping ingredients in the pan without scratching the surface.

• Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the bell peppers, onion, and chopping the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely chopping and slicing vegetables and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the olive oil, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently, though a knife can also be used.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the shrimp while cooking, ensuring even cooking and easy removal from the pan.

• Serving dish: A dish or platter to present the finished stir-fry attractively before serving.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the bell peppers, onion, and garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Purchase shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save on prep time.

Cook in batches: If your pan is small, cook the shrimp and vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking.

Make a sauce mix: Combine the soy sauce and sriracha in a small bowl before starting to cook, so you can quickly add them when needed.