Sesame Shrimp And Zucchini Stir Fry

Sesame Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. The shrimp cooks up fast, and the zucchini adds a fresh, slightly sweet element. Sesame seeds and a simple sauce tie everything together.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Cooking Guide:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
2. Add the zucchini and bell pepper (if using) to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened slightly. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sriracha. Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for another minute, or until heated through.
5. Stir in the sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.
• If you don’t have sriracha, you can use another chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• You can add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as broccoli florets, snow peas, or carrots.
• If your stir-fry seems too watery, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the pan while simmering.
• Make sure your pan is hot before adding the shrimp. This will help them sear quickly and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp. This will also prevent them from searing properly.
• Serve this stir-fry with a side of steamed vegetables or brown rice for a complete meal.