Description
A quick and flavorful Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry featuring a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and savory. This vibrant dish combines tender shrimp and crisp zucchini, stir-fried to perfection with a delicious glaze made from soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it’s ready in just 20 minutes and can be served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half moons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for stir frying)
- 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 (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the simmering sauce to thicken it. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, then remove 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 about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Zucchini: In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still has a slight crunch.
- Combine Shrimp and Zucchini: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini. Pour the homemade teriyaki sauce over the mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Heat and Caramelize: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes allowing the sauce to heat through and slightly caramelize, enhancing the flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian