Shrimp Snow Pea Stir-Fry
A light garlic-ginger shrimp stir-fry with snow peas, carrots, soy sauce, and a quick glossy sauce.
Shrimp snow pea stir-fry is one of the fastest high-protein dinners in this collection. Frozen shrimp thaw quickly, snow peas need only a short cook, and the sauce stays light enough for a weeknight rice bowl.
This recipe is written for Western supermarkets, where snow peas may be labeled mangetout and frozen shrimp may be more reliable than fresh seafood. Keep the heat high and the cook time short so shrimp stay tender.
Frozen shrimp and crisp snow peas cook quickly, making this a high-protein Chinese-style dinner for busy nights.
Ingredients
- shrimp: 450 g / 1 lb peeled.
- snow peas: 250 g / 9 oz.
- carrot: 1 small (optional).
- garlic: 2 cloves.
- ginger: 1 tsp grated.
- soy sauce: 2 tbsp.
- oyster sauce: 1 tbsp (optional). Substitution: Use extra soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar for a lighter sauce.
- cornstarch: 1 tsp.
- neutral oil: 1 tbsp.
- rice: Cooked rice, to serve (optional).
Steps
- Prep shrimp and sauce
Pat shrimp dry. Stir soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, cornstarch, and a splash of water in a small bowl.
- Cook vegetables
Stir-fry snow peas and carrot until bright and crisp-tender, then move them to the side of the pan.
- Finish shrimp
Add shrimp, garlic, and ginger. Cook until shrimp turn pink, then add sauce and toss until glossy.
Western Grocery Notes
- Frozen peeled shrimp are reliable and often cheaper than fresh shrimp.
- Snow peas may be sold as mangetout in European supermarkets.
Substitutions
- Use sugar snap peas or green beans if snow peas are unavailable.
- Use chicken strips or tofu instead of shrimp.
- Skip oyster sauce and season with extra soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar.
Ingredient Alternatives
-
Shrimp
Provides quick-cooking seafood protein.
Alternatives: Prawns, Frozen peeled shrimp, Thin chicken strips. Thaw frozen shrimp fully and pat dry so they sear instead of steaming.
-
Snow peas
Add crisp green texture.
Alternatives: Mangetout, Sugar snap peas, Green beans. Sugar snap peas are thicker, so cook them slightly longer.
-
Oyster sauce
Adds mild savory body.
Alternatives: Vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, Soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar, Hoisin plus soy sauce. The dish can stay lighter if you skip oyster sauce and use only soy sauce.
Cook Better Next Time
- Pat shrimp dry and do not overcook; they are done when just pink and curled.
- Trim snow pea strings if they feel tough.
- Add sauce only at the end so the snow peas stay crisp.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for stir-fry?
- Yes. Thaw them in cold water, drain well, and pat dry before cooking.
- What can replace snow peas?
- Sugar snap peas, green beans, broccoli, or bell pepper can all work.
- Can this recipe be made without oyster sauce?
- Yes. Use soy sauce with a pinch of sugar and a splash of water for a lighter sauce.
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