Shrimp Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

Looking for a quick, healthy, and downright delicious dinner idea? This shrimp stir-fry checks all the boxes. Packed with protein-rich shrimp, colorful veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a weeknight hero that comes together in just 30 minutes or less.

Whether you’re juggling work, school, or family life, having a go-to recipe that’s both satisfying and simple is a lifesaver. This shrimp stir-fry is perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s no wonder this dish has become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Stir-Fry

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this shrimp stir-fry—and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s on repeat in so many kitchens.

✅ Fast and Easy:
Dinner doesn’t get much quicker than this. From prep to plate, this meal is ready in just 20–30 minutes—perfect for those hectic weeknights.

✅ Perfect for Weeknight Dinners:
When you’re short on time but still want something satisfying, this shrimp stir-fry delivers big flavor without the stress.

✅ Nutrient-Packed:
Shrimp is a lean source of protein, while the colorful mix of veggies adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to your plate.

✅ Totally Customizable:
Use whatever veggies you have on hand—broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas—the options are endless. This stir-fry easily adapts to your taste and pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2–3)

For the Shrimp Stir-Fry:

• 1/2 lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 cup brown rice, uncooked (or 2 ½ cups cooked)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp water (to thin sauce, if needed)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil, for stir-frying

✅ Pro Tip:
Swap brown rice with 1½ cups cooked cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this shrimp stir-fry. It’s just as tasty and lighter on calories.

How to Make Shrimp Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

This shrimp stir-fry comes together quickly in just 20–25 minutes. Follow these simple steps for a fast, flavorful, and healthy meal:

✅ Step 1: Cook the Brown Rice (10–15 minutes)

If you’re not using pre-cooked rice, start here:

• Rinse 1 cup brown rice under cold water.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt.
• Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10–12 minutes (or follow package instructions).
• Fluff with a fork once done and set aside.

⏱ Time-saving tip: Use pre-cooked or microwaveable brown rice to cut your cooking time in half.

✅ Step 2: Prep the Shrimp and Veggies (5 minutes)

• If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cold running water and pat dry.
• Slice bell pepper and carrot, and cut broccoli into small florets.
• Mince 2 garlic cloves and grate 1 tsp fresh ginger.

✅ Step 3: Stir-Fry the Shrimp (3–4 minutes)

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly curled.
• Remove the shrimp and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the next step).

✅ Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies & Add Sauce (5 minutes)

• In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
• Toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
• Add garlic and ginger; stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Mix in your sauce ingredients:
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp water (if you prefer a thinner sauce)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce for heat

✅ Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Rice (2–3 minutes)

• Return the shrimp to the pan and stir everything together.
• Add the cooked brown rice and toss to coat with sauce.
• Let it all warm through for another minute or two, then remove from heat.

💡 Done in 20–25 minutes!
This shrimp stir-fry with brown rice is hot, flavorful, and ready to serve. Quick cleanup, zero fuss, and all the flavor you crave.

Sauce Spotlight

The magic of any great shrimp stir-fry lies in the sauce—it’s what ties everything together with rich, balanced flavor.

✅ Basic Stir-Fry Sauce Ingredients

This simple, flavorful combination is what we use in this recipe:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce – the salty, umami base
• 1 tbsp honey – adds a touch of sweetness and balance
• 1 tbsp sesame oil – brings a nutty, toasty depth
• 1 tbsp water – helps thin out the sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger & 2 cloves minced garlic – add warmth and aromatic punch
• Red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce (optional) – for a hint of heat

🔄 Balancing Flavor: Sweet, Salty, Spicy

• Too salty? Add a little more honey or a splash of water.
• Too sweet? Add a dash more soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
• Too mild? Spice it up with chili flakes or sriracha.
• Stir-fry sauce is forgiving, so taste and adjust to your preference!

🌟 Optional Sauce Variations

Want to mix things up next time? Try one of these tasty spins:

• Teriyaki Style: Add 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce and a splash of rice vinegar
• Garlic-Chili Kick: Use chili garlic paste and extra garlic for bold heat
• Lemon-Ginger Zing: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and extra grated ginger for a fresh, bright flavor

With just a few pantry staples, you can create a stir-fry sauce that’s rich, versatile, and completely crave-worthy. It’s the secret weapon that makes this shrimp stir-fry taste like it came from your favorite Asian takeout spot!

Tips for the Best Shrimp Stir-Fry

Want your shrimp stir-fry to taste like a pro made it? Follow these simple tips to get perfect results every time:

✅ Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook fast—just 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them rubbery and dry. Once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done!

✅ Use High Heat for Crisp-Tender Veggies
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. This keeps the veggies tender with a nice crunch and helps lock in their color and nutrients.

✅ Chop Veggies Ahead for Speedy Meals
Short on time during the week? Prepping your veggies in advance saves tons of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.

✅ Use Pre-Cooked Brown Rice to Save Time
Brown rice is healthy but takes longer to cook. To speed things up, use pre-cooked or microwaveable brown rice. You’ll have dinner on the table even faster!

These small tricks make a big difference when it comes to flavor, texture, and how quickly you can whip up this delicious shrimp stir-fry.

Serving Suggestions

Your shrimp stir-fry with brown rice is already a complete, balanced meal—but with a few extra touches, you can take it to the next level!

🍚 Serve Hot & Fresh
Scoop the stir-fry into bowls and garnish with:

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• A wedge of lime for a zesty finish

🥢 Pair with Light Sides
Want to round out the meal? Try serving it with:

• Miso soup or clear veggie broth
• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar
• Steamed edamame with sea salt

📦 Leftovers Make Great Lunches
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this shrimp stir-fry is satisfying on its own or easily paired with light sides for a well-rounded, feel-good dinner.

FAQ – Shrimp Stir-Fry

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely under cold running water and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures a nice sear.

Q: Is shrimp stir-fry healthy?

Yes! It’s loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats from sesame oil. Use low-sodium soy sauce and brown rice or cauliflower rice for an even healthier version.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep everything in advance—chop the veggies, thaw the shrimp, and mix the sauce—but for the best texture, stir-fry everything just before serving. It only takes 20 minutes!

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the shrimp?

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked.

Conclusion

There you have it—a quick, flavorful shrimp stir-fry with brown rice that’s perfect for weeknights, healthy eating, or anytime you crave something delicious in a hurry. With simple ingredients, bold flavor, and easy prep, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to.

✨ Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this shrimp stir-fry delivers satisfying results every single time.