How to Make the Best Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry in 10 Minutes

Are you craving a delicious and quick meal that’s both healthy and packed with flavor? What if you could create a restaurant-quality dish in just 10 minutes? The answer lies in the ever-popular chicken and shrimp stir fry. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction without the lengthy prep time. But how exactly can you make the best chicken and shrimp stir fry in under 10 minutes? Keep reading to uncover the secrets.

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect chicken and shrimp stir fry starts with the right ingredients. Below, you’ll find everything you need for a delectable stir fry with a delightful balance of flavors and textures. You can easily swap some ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs, ensuring that every bite is a hit!

Essential Ingredients:

• Chicken Breast (1 lb) – Boneless, skinless, and cut into thin strips for even cooking.
• Shrimp (1 lb) – Peeled and deveined; frozen shrimp works just fine, but fresh shrimp will add an extra pop of flavor.
• Bell Peppers (1 red, 1 yellow) – Thinly sliced for a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
• Carrots (2 medium-sized) – Sliced into thin matchsticks for a sweet crunch.
• Green Onions (3 stalks) – Chopped, for garnish and added freshness.
• Garlic (2 cloves) – Minced for a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Ginger (1-inch piece) – Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty kick.
• Soy Sauce (1/4 cup) – Choose low-sodium soy sauce to keep it healthier.
• Sesame Oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing and an earthy, nutty flavor.
• Honey (1 tbsp) – A touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – To create a silky, thick sauce.
• Rice or Noodles (optional) – To serve as a base for your stir fry.

Suggested Substitutions:

• Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using beef, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Shrimp: Substitute shrimp with scallops, fish fillets, or skip the seafood entirely for a simple chicken stir fry.
• Vegetables: Experiment with broccoli, snow peas, zucchini, or mushrooms based on your taste.
• Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari sauce.

Sensory Descriptions:

As you chop and prep the fresh vegetables, you’ll notice the vibrant colors, the earthy scent of ginger, and the richness of the sesame oil. When you stir-fry everything together, the sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas will fill your kitchen, making your 10-minute meal feel like an indulgence.

Timing

One of the best aspects of the chicken and shrimp stir fry is the minimal time investment required to create something truly delicious. Let’s break down the timing:

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes (Yes, it’s really that fast!)

Compared to other recipes, this stir fry is incredibly efficient. For instance, the average stir fry recipe can take up to 30 minutes. So, not only is this chicken and shrimp stir fry bursting with flavor, but it also saves you valuable time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy-to-understand instructions, and you’ll be serving up the best chicken and shrimp stir fry in no time. Each step has been crafted for simplicity while ensuring you achieve perfect results.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. You want each piece to cook quickly and evenly. Do the same with the bell peppers and carrots. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions for garnish.

Pro Tip: Prepare all your ingredients ahead of time—this is key to ensuring a quick, smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through, making sure the chicken is no longer pink.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper while it cooks.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the shrimp is cooked, remove the chicken and shrimp from the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Toss in the garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and carrots, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until they’re tender yet still crisp.

Author’s Top Recipe Picks

• Hip Hop Chicken: How to Make the Best Spicy Fried Chicken
• Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipes: 10 Easy Weeknight Dinners
• Chicken and Dressing Recipe: How to Make the Best Southern Classic
• Blackstone Chicken Recipes: 7 Delicious Dishes to Try Now
• Easy Recipe Chicken Apple Sausage

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken and shrimp to the pan. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch with a bit of water to create a smooth sauce. Pour this over the chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.

Pro Tip: If you like a spicier stir fry, feel free to add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the stir fry on a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for added crunch and freshness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional value of this tasty chicken and shrimp stir fry (per serving):

This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a nutritious, quick meal. By swapping out the rice or noodles for cauliflower rice, you can reduce the carb count and make it even healthier.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To take this chicken and shrimp stir fry to the next level, here are some healthier substitutions:

• Low-sodium soy sauce: Opting for low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce the sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
• Cauliflower rice: A fantastic low-carb alternative to regular rice.
• Olive oil: Swap sesame oil for olive oil to reduce the saturated fat content.
• Steamed vegetables: If you’re looking to pack in more greens, swap out the bell peppers for broccoli, spinach, or snap peas.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and shrimp stir fry is delicious on its own, but there are several ways to elevate the meal:

• Add some crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture.
• Pair with a salad: Serve with a side of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Use a dipping sauce: Try a spicy peanut sauce or soy-based dipping sauce to dip your stir fry in for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes when making chicken and shrimp stir fry, along with tips on how to avoid them:

• Overcrowding the pan: If you put too much in the skillet at once, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches for the best results.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—too long in the pan, and they can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them!
• Not preparing ingredients in advance: Stir fry moves quickly, so make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness and flavor:

• In the fridge: Store your stir fry in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for the best texture.

Pro Tip: If you plan on storing leftovers, consider keeping the rice and stir fry separate to avoid sogginess.

Conclusion

In just 10 minutes, you can prepare a flavorful chicken and shrimp stir fry that’s healthy, quick, and satisfying. By following these simple steps, you’ll impress your family or guests with a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients, swap out for healthier alternatives, and garnish to your heart’s content!

We’d love to hear how your stir fry turned out! Leave your feedback in the comments, share the recipe with friends, and subscribe for more delicious and easy recipes.

FAQs