This Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki is a flavor-packed, vibrant dish that’s going to have you coming back for more. The shrimp is perfectly tender, the zucchini adds a fresh crunch, and the homemade teriyaki sauce brings it all together with its sweet and savory kick. Trust me, you’re going to love this one – it’s fresh, easy, and so satisfying!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki
This recipe isn’t just about cooking dinner – it’s about creating a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling, or you want a dish that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, this stir fry is the perfect solution. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile: This dish is great on its own, but it’s also perfect for pairing with rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a more filling meal.
Budget-Friendly: Shrimp and zucchini are affordable ingredients that you can find year-round, and making your own teriyaki sauce saves you money compared to store-bought options.
Quick and Easy: The entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect choice when you need something fast but still want great flavor.
Customizable: Love extra veggies? Throw in some bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Want a spicy kick? Add some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing: Shrimp is always a hit, and the homemade teriyaki sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s healthy and light – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic behind this stir fry – it’s made with just a handful of ingredients that pack big flavors. Let’s break it down:
Shrimp: The star of the dish. Tender, juicy shrimp that soak up all the flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
Zucchini: Fresh, light, and slightly crunchy – zucchini adds a refreshing element to balance the rich shrimp and savory sauce.
Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, garlic is a must-have for that depth of flavor in the stir fry.
Soy Sauce: The foundation of our teriyaki sauce. It gives the dish its savory umami flavor.
Honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a zesty kick to the teriyaki sauce, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a slight tanginess to the sauce that brightens everything up.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, clingy texture that’s just right for stir fries.
Sesame Oil: For a nutty, fragrant undertone that makes everything taste extra flavorful.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Slice the zucchini into half-moons and mince the garlic and ginger. Set everything aside so it’s ready to go.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir everything together, then bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens to a nice, glossy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of sesame oil and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Zucchini: In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if needed and toss in the zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but still crisp. The key is to not overcook it so it retains its crunch.
Combine and Coat: Return the shrimp to the pan with the zucchini, and pour the homemade teriyaki sauce over everything. Toss everything together until the shrimp and zucchini are well coated in that rich, savory sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stir fry over rice or noodles, and enjoy the flavors of this easy, delicious meal.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 250-300 calories (Note: this is an estimate based on average ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
How to Serve Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki
This stir fry is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it over a bed of jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Want to make it even more exciting? Top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid them becoming rubbery.
- You can add other veggies to the stir fry, like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for extra crunch and color.
- If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I use zucchini substitutes?
If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir-fries are best served fresh, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
5. How can I make the teriyaki sauce spicier?
To spice things up, add chili flakes or a small amount of sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce.
6. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, chicken works great! Just be sure to cook it through before adding the sauce.
7. What can I serve this dish with?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a simple side of sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy.
8. Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the shrimp and zucchini stir fry, but the texture of the zucchini might change slightly once reheated.
9. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Sure! If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute store-bought teriyaki sauce, but the homemade version adds a special touch.
10. How long will this dish last in the fridge?
It will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. With a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, and tender shrimp paired with crisp zucchini, this meal is all about vibrant flavors and simple ingredients. Give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into just 30 minutes!
Print
Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stir frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This shrimp and zucchini stir fry with homemade teriyaki sauce is a quick and healthy dish. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a perfect weeknight meal full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch (if using) to make the teriyaki sauce. Stir well and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the shrimp and zucchini, and stir to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the stir fry for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili paste to the sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 140mg