Name: Quick Chinese Shrimp Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock, OR vegetable stock; 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper, OR black pepper; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided; 8 ounces snow peas, cleaned and strings removed; 1 2 inch piece ginger, peeled and julienned

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We’ve all been there—long day, hungry, and the last thing you want is to spend forever in the kitchen. That’s where this Chinese Shrimp Stir-Fry comes in. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor with tender shrimp, crisp snow peas, and a simple, savory sauce that brings it all together. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal that tastes as good as takeout (but is way healthier!).

And here’s the best part: it’s meal-prep friendly! This stir-fry is perfect for doubling up and stashing in the fridge for those times you need something delicious and already done. Just add a side of rice or noodles, and you’re ready to go. Let’s get cooking!

🧡 WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

When you’re short on time, this recipe is a lifesaver. With only 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a homemade dinner that’s satisfying and flavourful.

Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and fiber from the snow peas, this stir-fry is both healthy and filling, perfect for a light meal.

This recipe is easy to portion into containers for lunch or dinner later in the week. It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal meal prep option.

Feel free to toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms. This stir-fry is as flexible as it is fast, so you can switch it up however you like.

🔪 KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Medium mixing bowl (for marinating the shrimp)
Small mixing bowl (for the sauce)
Wok or large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Tongs or chopsticks (helpful for flipping shrimp and snow peas)

🥚 INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED

Shrimp, fresh, peeled, and deveined. Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavours beautifully, making it ideal for a fast stir-fry.
Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), adds depth to the shrimp’s flavour. If you don’t have it, dry sherry is a good substitute.
Cornstarch, coats the shrimp lightly, giving it a lovely texture when cooked.
Oyster sauce, adds a rich, umami flavour with a touch of sweetness. You can find this at your local Asian grocery store.
Low sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock), low sodium is best to control the saltiness.
Rice vinegar, adds a slight tang, balancing out the sweetness. You can skip this if you don’t have it on hand!
Sugar, just a hint to bring out the flavours without making it too sweet.
Snow peas, sweet and crisp, they pair perfectly with the shrimp and add a lovely colour contrast. Be sure to remove the strings before cooking.
Ginger, fresh, julienned ginger adds a punch of flavour and aroma that takes this stir-fry to the next level.

*These are the main ingredients. The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found at the bottom of this post!*

📝 HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), salt, and cornstarch. This quick marinade adds flavor and gives the shrimp a light coating that enhances their texture when cooked. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken stock (or vegetable stock), rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch. Set it aside; this will be the finishing touch for the stir-fry.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute on each side. The shrimp should be opaque and fully curled. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

4. Add the remaining oil and the julienned ginger to the pan. Stir for about 1 minute, until the ginger becomes aromatic and lightly golden. Arrange the snow peas in a single layer, letting them brown slightly on one side for about 30 seconds, then flip and cook the other side for another 30 seconds.

5. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, then give the sauce a quick stir before pouring it into the pan. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp and snow peas. This should take just 1–2 minutes.

6. Divide the stir-fry into serving bowls or meal-prep containers. Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

☝🏻 Tips and tricks

Dry Your Shrimp Well: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before marinating. This helps them sear better and prevents excess liquid in the pan.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients to ensure a good sear and keep the veggies crisp.
Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-fries move fast! Having everything prepped and ready before you start cooking is key to keeping things smooth.
Thicken the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook for an extra 30 seconds until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This will help them cook evenly and prevent too much water from being released in the pan.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is an excellent substitute that provides a similar flavour. If you don’t have either, you can use a bit of rice vinegar or omit it entirely—it’ll still be delicious!

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this stir-fry gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free (many brands are, but it’s good to check!). Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

And there you have it—a quick, healthy, and flavourful Chinese Shrimp Stir-Fry that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With tender shrimp, crisp snow peas, and a savoury sauce, this dish is a total weeknight winner. Whether you’re looking for a fresh dinner or an easy meal-prep option, this stir-fry delivers on all fronts.

So grab your wok, whip up this stir-fry, and treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal in minutes.

Enjoy!

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Quick Chinese Shrimp Stir Fry