Easy Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Juicy, Flavor-Packed Bites

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

There’s something utterly irresistible about the sweet, savory aroma of teriyaki glistening on tender shrimp as it sizzles in a hot pan. One evening, craving a quick but satisfying dinner that felt homemade and wholesome, I whipped up this Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry. What surprised me was how effortlessly fresh veggies and succulent shrimp came together in a vibrant dish bursting with layers of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just tired of fast food sameness, this recipe offers a perfect balance of ease and taste—ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to impress anyone at your table. Let me share how this simple stir-fry became a go-to for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.

Why choose Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights. Bursting with flavor: Juicy shrimp and vibrant veggies soak up the sweet-savory teriyaki sauce for a mouthwatering taste. Nutrient-packed: Fresh vegetables add crunch and wholesome goodness. Versatile: Swap veggies or serve over rice, noodles, or greens to suit your mood. Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Sauce

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for juicy, tender bites.
Teriyaki sauce – Choose your favorite bottled sauce or make a quick homemade blend for authentic flavor. This key ingredient makes your Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry come alive.
Garlic cloves, minced – Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick to the dish.
Fresh ginger, grated – Brightens the sauce with its zesty warmth.

For the Vegetables

Red bell pepper, sliced – Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
Broccoli florets – Crunchy texture packed with nutrients.
Snap peas – Adds a crisp, fresh bite that balances the shrimp perfectly.
Green onions, sliced – Sprinkle on top for freshness and mild onion flavor.

For Serving

Cooked jasmine rice or noodles – The perfect base to soak up every drop of that luscious teriyaki sauce.
Sesame seeds (optional) – Toast lightly for a nutty crunch and beautiful garnish.

How to Make Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry

Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with half the teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let it rest 10 minutes so the flavors meld and shrimp stay juicy.
Sauté Broccoli & Peppers: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and red bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until veggies are bright, tender-crisp, and lightly charred.
Add Snap Peas & Onions: Stir in snap peas and green onions. Cook 1–2 minutes more until veggies are vivid, crisp-tender, and still vibrant.
Cook Shrimp: Move veggies aside, add marinated shrimp in a single layer. Sauté 3–4 minutes until shrimp turn opaque pink, firm, and slightly caramelized.
Glaze & Combine: Pour remaining teriyaki sauce into the pan. Stir gently to coat shrimp and veggies evenly. Simmer 2 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes each bite.
Serve Warm: Transfer stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a sprinkle of color and crunchy texture.

Optional: Add a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the shrimp with teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger up to 24 hours in advance, and store it in the refrigerator to enhance flavor. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables (red bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and green onions) and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the veggies, add the shrimp, and finish with the remaining sauce. This way, your dish will be just as delicious, saving you precious time and preventing the last-minute rush during busy weeknights!

What to Serve with Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Imagine a vibrant dinner table filled with colorful dishes that harmonize perfectly with every bite of your delicious teriyaki shrimp stir-fry.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it’s the ideal base to soak up the luscious teriyaki sauce.
Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy delights add texture and a hint of vegetable freshness, making for a well-rounded meal.
Garlic Bok Choy: Sautéed in garlic and lightly salted, this green side dish brings an earthy crunch that complements the shrimp splendidly.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of savory miso soup offers a comforting start to your meal, enhancing the Asian-inspired theme.
Sesame Noodles: Tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil, these noodles provide a nutty flavor profile that pairs exceptionally well with the shrimp.
Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame seeds brightens up the dish, adding a crisp bite.
Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who enjoy a little kick, serve this zesty sauce on the side—it adds a fun flavor contrast.
Mango Coconut Sorbet: For dessert, this sweet and refreshing sorbet creates a perfect ending to a flavorful meal, cleansing the palate beautifully.

How to Store and Freeze Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry

Fridge: Store leftover Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping it fresh.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce if needed to revive moisture.
Serving Tip: Enjoy your reheated stir-fry over freshly cooked rice or noodles for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes just as good the second time around!

Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry Variations

Ready to put your own spin on this delightful dish? Let your creativity shine as you explore these fun and flavorful alternatives!

Spicy Kick: Add sliced fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha while cooking for a zesty heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. It’s all about that balance of flavors!
Veggie Boost: Swap out the broccoli and snap peas for bok choy and zucchini to introduce new textures and tastes, adding a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
Citrus Infusion: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright, zesty lift that enhances the teriyaki flavor. It provides that refreshing element everyone loves!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of teriyaki sauce, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy this masterpiece without worry.
Protein Variation: Try chicken, tofu, or even beef instead of shrimp. Each option lends a unique flavor, allowing you to cater to varying preferences and dietary needs.
Noodle Swap: For a heartier meal, replace jasmine rice with soba or udon noodles, creating a comforting base that soaks up every delicious drop of sauce.
Herbaceous Touch: Stir in fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness that elevates your stir-fry.
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped cashews or peanuts just before serving for an irresistible crunch and a touch of nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp and veggies.

Expert Tips for Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry

Choose Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to ensure juicy, tender bites that absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and firm; overcooking leads to rubbery texture, diminishing your stir-fry’s appeal.
Prep Veggies Uniformly: Slice vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate, keeping your Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry perfectly crisp and colorful.
Marinate Briefly: Let shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes to infuse flavor without compromising their natural texture and freshness.
High Heat Sauté: Use medium-high heat to quickly sear shrimp and veggies, locking in flavors and achieving that desirable slight caramelization.
Balance Sauce Amount: Pour the teriyaki sauce gradually and simmer to the right thickness—too much can make the dish soggy, too little misses flavor depth.

Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my shrimp is fresh and ready for this recipe?
Look for shrimp that’s firm, translucent, and slightly glossy—not slimy or with dark spots all over. Fresh shrimp should have a mild ocean scent, never a strong fishy smell. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely in the fridge or under cold running water for the best texture.

What’s the best way to store leftover Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and you’ll enjoy them within 3 to 4 days. This timeframe keeps the shrimp tender and veggies crisp. I recommend placing a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture, maintaining the best texture.

Can I freeze the Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry, and if so, how long will it keep?
Absolutely! First, let the stir-fry cool completely at room temperature. Pack it into a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or teriyaki sauce to refresh the flavors.

What should I do if the shrimp turns rubbery after cooking?
Overcooked shrimp can get tough quickly—so keep a close eye when sautéing. The shrimp are done once they turn opaque pink and curl slightly, usually in about 3 to 4 minutes on medium-high heat. To help prevent rubberiness next time, try marinating briefly and cooking over high heat just until done—less is more here!

Is Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry safe for my pets if I want to share leftovers?
While shrimp itself is fine for dogs in small amounts (plain and cooked), this dish is not safe for pets because of garlic, ginger, teriyaki sauce (which contains soy and sugar), and possible spicy additions like sriracha. It’s best to keep this flavorful dish exclusively for your family’s enjoyment and prepare separate pet-friendly treats.