If you’re looking for a quick, vibrant, and wholesome meal that you can prep ahead of time, this Shrimp Stir Fry (Freezer Meal) Recipe is absolute magic. It combines tender shrimp with crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The beauty is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, delivering a colorful, nutrient-packed dish that cooks up in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a delightful homemade dinner without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Shrimp Stir Fry (Freezer Meal) Recipe is straightforward but essential, ensuring every bite is balanced and flavorful. The mix of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and that perfect sauce blend guarantees a dish that’s satisfying and colorful.
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled (medium size): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Adds a rich umami depth and saltiness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Provides a fragrant, aromatic foundation.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a warm, zesty kick that livens up the dish.
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat without overpowering.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- 1 1/2 cup snow peas (about 1/4 pound): Crisp and fresh, they lend a delightful crunch.
- 1 small head of broccoli (or 2 cups broccoli florets): Nutritious and hearty, broccoli adds texture and bright green hues.
- 1 red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, it brightens up the stir fry perfectly.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon corn starch + 1 tablespoon water: For thickening the sauce to your liking.
How to Make Shrimp Stir Fry (Freezer Meal) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Sauce
Start by cutting the broccoli into florets and slicing the red bell pepper into strips. These fresh veggies create the crunchy, colorful base of your stir fry. Then, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes together in a freezer-safe gallon ziplock bag, shaking it well to combine the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Pack Everything in the Bag
Add the raw peeled shrimp to the bottom of the bag, followed by the broccoli florets, sliced peppers, snow peas, and shredded carrots. Carefully squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Lay it flat in your freezer so it freezes evenly. This simple packing method makes it easy to grab and go on busy days.
Step 3: Cooking Your Frozen Stir Fry
When it’s time to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of cooking oil. Pour the entire contents of your freezer bag into the skillet—no need to thaw! Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink and the vegetables soften but still have a nice crunch. If you like a thicker sauce, mix corn starch with water, add it to the skillet, and let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once cooked perfectly, remove the stir fry from heat and serve it right away. It pairs wonderfully over fluffy steamed rice or noodles, so you get a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
How to Serve Shrimp Stir Fry (Freezer Meal) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish effortlessly. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro on top for an added layer of flavor and texture. Thinly sliced green onions also give a fresh, zesty note that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve your shrimp stir fry alongside a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice. You can also enjoy it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. A side of spring rolls or a light cucumber salad makes for a refreshing contrast on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try serving this shrimp stir fry in crispy lettuce cups for a fun handheld meal. Another favorite is spooning the stir fry over freshly made noodles tossed with a splash of sesame oil and soy sauce, transforming it into a noodle bowl sensation packed with vibrant veggies and savory shrimp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to reheat it gently to keep the shrimp tender and the veggies crisp.
Freezing
This Shrimp Stir Fry (Freezer Meal) Recipe is designed to freeze perfectly. After assembling the ingredients in the ziplock bag, lay it flat in the freezer for about a month for best taste and texture. Freezing helps lock in freshness so you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as reheating this stir fry gently preserves the shrimp’s texture and prevents veggies from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before assembling for the best texture and even cooking. If you’re prepping the freezer meal, add fresh or fully thawed shrimp into the bag.
Is it better to cook the shrimp separately?
While you can cook shrimp separately, this recipe shines by cooking them right with the vegetables and sauce so all the flavors meld beautifully in one pan.
Can I swap out vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to include your favorites like snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times for different veggies to keep everything crisp-tender.
How spicy is this recipe?
The pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth, but it’s easy to adjust the heat. Add more for a kick or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Mixing corn starch with water and adding it toward the end of cooking is your secret weapon to getting that perfect glossy, thickened sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Stir Fry (Freezer Meal) Recipe is truly a lifesaver when you want a delicious homemade dinner without the stress. It’s packed with nutrition, flavor, and made even easier with freezer prep. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your meal rotation—ready whenever you need a hassle-free, satisfying meal full of fresh, bright flavors.
Print
Shrimp Stir Fry (Freezer Meal) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp Stir Fry recipe is a flavorful and convenient freezer meal perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Featuring tender shrimp and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a savory soy-based sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, this dish cooks quickly in a skillet for a delicious, vibrant meal served best over rice.
Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound raw medium shrimp, peeled
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 1/2 cups snow peas (about 1/4 pound)
- 1 small head broccoli or 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper
Optional Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Cut the broccoli into florets and slice the red bell pepper into strips. Prepare the carrots and snow peas as noted.
- Mix Marinade: In a freezer-safe gallon ziplock bag, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Seal the bag and shake gently to mix the marinade well.
- Add Ingredients to Bag: Place the peeled shrimp at the bottom of the bag. Add broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, snow peas, and shredded carrots on top. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, then lay it flat and freeze immediately for best results.
- Cook from Frozen: When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of cooking oil. Add the frozen stir fry mixture directly to the skillet. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns pink and vegetables become tender.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If the stir fry seems watery, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and cook an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, ideally over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best texture, prep vegetables fresh and freeze the assembled bag flat to save space.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
- This stir fry is best served hot and freshly cooked to maintain shrimp tenderness.
- If avoiding soy, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce.
- To keep vegetables crispier, you can cook shrimp and vegetables separately and then combine with the sauce.
- Freezer meal can be kept up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
