This healthy shrimp stir-fry for two only takes 15 minutes to make and is full of flavor! You can make this recipe ahead of time for a lunch at work that you’ll actually look forward to, or just throw it together for a quick and easy dinner during the week.
2019 was the year of eating plant-based pasta with dairy-free cream sauce that didn’t have any added sugar.
When I say I’ve eaten more shrimp in the first month of this year than all of last year put together, I mean it.
Cooking shrimp in a wok is a quick and easy way to make a delicious stir-fry, but can you use frozen shrimp? The short answer is yes, you can cook frozen shrimp in a wok! However, there are some important things to keep in mind when stir-frying with frozen shrimp to ensure you end up with tender, flavorful results.
In this article, we’ll walk through tips on how to properly prepare and cook frozen shrimp in a wok, as well as share some recipe ideas to inspire your next tasty stir-fry.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp before Cooking
While it’s possible to toss frozen shrimp straight into the hot wok, it’s not ideal Cooking frozen shrimp tends to make them rubbery in texture. For best results, thaw the frozen shrimp first.
You have a couple options for quick thawing
- Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until thawed. This takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp.
- Defrost the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. This slower thawing helps maintain quality.
Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels Any excess moisture will cause splattering when added to the hot oil
Choosing the Right Shrimp Size
When cooking shrimp in a wok, opt for medium to large size shrimp that are deveined. Small shrimp can overcook quickly and be prone to drying out. The larger shrimp hold up better to the high heat of the wok.
Shell-on shrimp can be used for extra flavor, but peel and devein them first for easier eating.
Prepping the Wok and Oil
Choosing the right wok and oil is key for achieving the trademark sear and smoky flavors. A carbon steel or cast iron wok conducts heat efficiently for fast, even cooking.
For oil, use one with a high smoke point like peanut or vegetable oil so it can withstand the high heat. Avoid oils like olive oil that will smoke and burn.
Get the wok very hot before adding the oil. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom and sides. It should shimmer and get close to smoking. Now you’re ready to cook.
Cooking Process for Shrimp
The cooking process when stir-frying frozen shrimp in a wok is quick:
- Add aromatics like garlic, ginger, and chilies and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.
- Add your vegetables and toss them until partially cooked but still crisp.
- Push ingredients up the side of the wok and add the shrimp to the center.
- Cook, stirring frequently, just until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook.
- Toss the shrimp with the vegetables and any sauce ingredients.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Frozen shrimp will release extra moisture compared to fresh, but the hot wok will help evaporate any excess liquid quickly.
Sauce and Seasoning Ideas
A flavorful sauce adds a tasty finish to shrimp and veggie stir-fries. Whisk up a simple sauce with broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and cornstarch. For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly in some of the sauce before cooking.
Spice pastes featuring garlic, ginger, chili, and lemongrass also pair wonderfully with shrimp. Toss the raw shrimp with the paste before cooking.
Other seasoning ideas include:
- Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint
- Lime juice and zest
- Fish sauce or hoisin sauce
- Chili garlic sauce or sriracha
- Toasted sesame seeds
Recipe Ideas for Shrimp Stir-Fry
Here are a few tasty shrimp and veggie stir-fry recipes that are perfect for cooking with frozen shrimp:
Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry
A quick classic! Sauté shrimp with garlic, ginger, peppers, bok choy, and soy sauce.
Spicy Thai Basil Shrimp
Shrimp cooked with Thai basil, jalapeños, and a chili-garlic sauce. Served over jasmine rice.
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Fresh asparagus and shrimp cooked in a hoisin-ginger sauce for a springtime flavor.
Easy Shrimp Fried Rice
Frozen shrimp make an easy protein for this basic homemade fried rice recipe.
Coconut Curry Shrimp Stir-Fry
Shrimp in a creamy red curry coconut sauce with broccoli, peppers, and mushrooms over cauliflower rice.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Stir-Fry
Follow these tips for foolproof shrimp stir-fries when cooking with frozen shrimp:
- Thaw shrimp properly before cooking to avoid rubbery texture
- Use a very hot wok and oil to sear and lock in flavor
- Don’t overload the wok – cook shrimp in batches for even cooking
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they cook very quickly
- Add sauce ingredients at the end and toss with shrimp
- Serve immediately before shrimp overcook
So go ahead and use frozen shrimp for quick and easy wok dishes! With the right techniques, you can enjoy tender stir-fried shrimp any night of the week. Let us know your favorite shrimp stir-fry recipes in the comments!
I chose to use frozen shrimp, frozen vegetables, and frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe. We buy most of our fruits, vegetables, and fish, frozen.
Find out more about this in my post 15 Smart Cheap Ways to Eat Healthy.
You can use fresh shrimp, but if you use frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before adding them to the pan.
If you add frozen shrimp straight into your pan, you will end up with a very water stir-fry.
Your stir-fry will also taste VERY much like shrimp.
How do I thaw frozen shrimp?
You have two options. To thaw faster, take the shrimp out of its package and put it in a bowl of cold water. You can leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw. Next, take the shrimp out of the water and turn them over in the bowl. Then, add more cold water.
The shrimp should be ready to cook in about 10 minutes.
Once the shrimp are no longer frozen, put them on paper towels and pat them dry to get rid of any extra water.
How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com
How do you cook shrimp in a wok?
Heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat in a wok or frying pan. Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook just until shrimp turns pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons vegetable oil over medium high heat. Add the vegetables and cook until tender crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Can I eat raw shrimp?
Eating raw shrimp is not recommended. Raw shrimp can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is also a good source of purines, which can trigger gout attacks. If you want to eat shrimp, cook it thoroughly to reduce the risk of food poisoning and to help prevent gout attacks. Cook shrimp until it is opaque and pink to ensure that it is safe to eat.
How do you cook frozen shrimp?
Start by preheating your skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of cooking oil or butter to the pan, and then add the frozen shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. You can also season the shrimp with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance their flavor.
Can you cook frozen shrimp without thawing?
Adding some lemon juice to the shrimp while cooking them from frozen can add a refreshing citrus flavor to the dish. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much acidity can affect the texture of the shrimp. By following these simple cooking guidelines, you can enjoy delicious meals using frozen shrimp without the hassle of thawing.