Quick and Zesty Shrimp Vegetable Stir-Fry
This Quick and Zesty Shrimp Vegetable Stir-Fry is bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delightful dish loaded with succulent shrimp and a medley of crunchy vegetables, including sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender zucchini. Finished with a refreshing hint of lemon and a sprinkle of aromatic herbs, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Serve it over rice or on its own, and enjoy a wholesome meal that everyone will love!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Large Shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
Kosher Salt
to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Red Onion
1 large (in 1/2-inch dice)
Corn Kernels
2 cups (from 2 ears fresh corn)
Cherry Tomatoes
2 cups (halved)
Zucchini
1 medium (trimmed, sliced in half lengthwise, and cut crosswise on the bias into 1/2-inch slices)
Snap Peas
1 1/2 cups (trimmed and cut in half on the bias)
Lemon Zest
1/2 (finely grated)
Lemon Juice
from 1/2 lemon
Lemon Wedges
for serving
Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons
Mixed Chopped Herbs
1 cup (such as dill, tarragon, mint, and parsley)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling it around to coat the surface.
2
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown at the edges and are nearly cooked through, about 3 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, swirling to coat. Next, toss in the diced red onion, seasoning it again with salt and pepper. Cook the onion, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes until it softens and begins to turn golden brown.
4
Once the onion is ready, add the corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and snap peas to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure it is well coated in oil, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the vegetables are vibrant and slightly tender, taking care not to overcook them.
5
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the finely grated lemon zest, the juice from half a lemon, unsalted butter, and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss all the ingredients together until heated through and the butter is melted.
6
Plate your shrimp and vegetable stir-fry, garnishing with mixed chopped herbs and additional lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Zesty Shrimp Vegetable Stir-Fry?
It is a 15-minute meal featuring succulent shrimp and a medley of crunchy vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and zucchini, finished with lemon and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What size should the red onion be cut into?
The red onion should be cut into a 1/2-inch dice.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be sautéed for about 3 minutes until they begin to brown and are nearly cooked through.
What kind of shrimp are required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What specific vegetables are used in this stir-fry?
The dish includes red onion, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and snap peas.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be trimmed, sliced in half lengthwise, and then cut crosswise on the bias into 1/2-inch slices.
What herbs are recommended for the mixed chopped herb garnish?
Recommended herbs include a mix of dill, tarragon, mint, and parsley.
How long should the red onion cook?
The onion should be cooked for about 4 minutes until it softens and begins to turn golden brown.
When do I add the corn and cherry tomatoes?
Add the corn, halved cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and snap peas after the onion has softened and browned.
What provides the zesty flavor in this dish?
The zest and juice from half a lemon provide the signature zesty flavor.
Is butter used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter are added at the end to be melted into the dish.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided for different stages of cooking.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The vegetables only need 1-2 minutes of cooking so they remain vibrant and slightly tender.
Can I serve this with anything else?
Yes, it can be served over rice or enjoyed on its own.
How should the snap peas be cut?
Snap peas should be trimmed and cut in half on the bias.
What temperature should I use to preheat the skillet?
The skillet or wok should be preheated over high heat.
Should I season the shrimp?
Yes, season the shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper while sautéing.
Where do the corn kernels come from?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of kernels, which is approximately the amount from 2 ears of fresh corn.
How much mixed chopped herbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of mixed chopped herbs.
What should I use to remove the shrimp from the pan?
A slotted spoon should be used to transfer the shrimp to a plate while you cook the vegetables.
What is the total preparation and cooking time?
The entire dish can be whipped up in just 15 minutes.
How do I prepare the lemon zest?
The zest from half a lemon should be finely grated.
What should be served on the side?
Extra lemon wedges should be served on the side for added zing.
Can I use frozen corn?
While the recipe suggests fresh ears of corn, you can use 2 cups of frozen corn if fresh is unavailable.
Should the tomatoes be whole?
No, the cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the skillet.
When do I put the shrimp back in the pan?
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet after the vegetables have been sautéed for 1-2 minutes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal packed with nutrients and fresh ingredients.
What is the primary cooking vessel?
A large skillet or a wok is recommended for this stir-fry.
Should I add salt and pepper to the onion?
Yes, the onion should be seasoned with salt and pepper as it cooks.