Description
This Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy shrimp and crisp zucchini are tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half moons
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for stir frying)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors together.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and optional sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Zucchini: In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still crisp.
- Combine Shrimp and Zucchini: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini. Pour the homemade teriyaki sauce over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the sauce through and allow it to slightly caramelize on the shrimp and zucchini.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb meal.
Notes
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor in the teriyaki sauce.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps to achieve a thicker sauce that clings better to the shrimp and vegetables.
- Sesame oil adds a nice nutty aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust sweetness by using more or less honey or maple syrup according to taste.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles, or enjoy as a low-carb dish without any sides.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.