Stir Fry Teriyaki Shrimp Zucchini

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, teriyaki sauce, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add shrimp, ensuring even coating, and marinate for 10 minutes.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, reserving marinade, and sauté shrimp for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 additional minute until just pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, add minced onion and zucchini noodles. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Season vegetables with kosher salt and black pepper. Pour in reserved marinade and cook for 1 minute. Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to distribute evenly. Remove from heat.

Transfer shrimp and zucchini noodles to plates. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Storage Tips

This stir fry keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Let it cool before storing in an airtight container. For reheating use a skillet over medium so the zucchini noodles stay firm and shrimp remain tender instead of microwaving which can make the noodles watery.

Ingredient Substitutions

No shrimp on hand Try bitesized pieces of chicken or tofu and marinate just as you would with shrimp. To keep it soy free coconut aminos make a delicious swaps for both soy sauce and teriyaki sauce with a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry stands alone but is also great topped with extra scallions or a quick drizzle of sriracha for heat. I sometimes toss in snap peas or shredded carrots for more crunch and color when I want to stretch the meal further.

Cultural Background

Teriyaki is a classic component of Japanese cuisine and over time it has become a beloved flavor in home kitchens everywhere. Using spiralized zucchini instead of noodles brings a fresh modern twist and helps lighten the dish while still delivering all the umami flavor.

Pro Tips

Marinate the shrimp while prepping the zucchini to maximize flavor
Do not overcook the zucchini noodles for the best texture
Always taste the stir fry at the end and add salt only if needed since the sauces already bring a lot of seasoning
This dish is the ultimate quick fix for satisfying weeknight cravings. Try it just once and it might become your own family favorite too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw the shrimp thoroughly, pat dry, and proceed with marinating and cooking as directed.

→ Do zucchini noodles get soggy?
To keep zucchini noodles crisp, cook them briefly over high heat and avoid overcooking. Serve immediately.

→ Is low sodium soy sauce necessary?
Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels, but regular can be used. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

→ Can I add other vegetables?
Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are great additions. Add them with the onion for a colorful skillet.

→ How should leftovers be stored?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat over gentle heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and noodles.

Notes

1. For optimal texture, avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles to maintain their crunch and prevent excess moisture.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Spiralizer or julienne peeler
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs