Easy Healthy Dinner

Name: Easy Healthy Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry, mirin, or omit); 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar); 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Sriracha); 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder); 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets; 2 large red or yellow bell peppers, sliced; 6 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

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Okay, let’s be real—sometimes you just want something fresh, fast, and definitely not a “sad desk salad.” This Easy Healthy Dinner is the shrimp stir-fry you make when you need a quick win. It’s loaded with bright veggies, a punchy sauce, and comes together so fast you’ll forget takeout is even an option. Mix and match whatever’s in your fridge, and it still turns out great.

Collage image with vibrant broccoli, bell peppers, shrimp stir-fry, and “Easy Healthy Dinner” text overlay – perfect for Pinterest dinner ideas

It’s colorful, crunchy, and hard to mess up. One pan, a handful of minutes, and you’ve got a dinner that feels good and tastes even better.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Stir-Fry

This shrimp stir-fry proves that a fast dinner can still feel fresh and delicious. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and gives you tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and a simple sauce that brings everything together.

It’s easy to adapt, too. Swap in any veggies you have, or use tofu or chicken if shrimp isn’t on the menu tonight. Everything cooks in one pan, which keeps cleanup quick and helps you get dinner on the table without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the simple mix that brings big flavor without much prep.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined. Fresh or thawed. Little pink guys cook up lightning-fast and soak up all the flavor.
Veggies: Go wild—broccoli, bell peppers, green onions, maybe some mushrooms, snow peas, zucchini, or even cabbage if you’re feeling feisty.
Aromatics: Garlic and ginger. Fresh is best here, and yes, you want both.
Oil: Something with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, so you can crank up the heat and get that fast sizzle.
The Stir-Fry Sauce: Soy sauce (low-sodium if you’re fancy), honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry, mirin, or skip if you don’t have), a dash of hot sauce, and cornstarch to thicken things up.

For precise amounts, check the recipe card at the end of the post.

Bowls of raw shrimp, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, cooked rice, sesame seeds, and soy sauce on a marble counter – healthy dinner prep setup

Pro tip: The stir-fry sauce is where the magic happens. It’s sweet, salty, a smidge tangy, and you can make it ahead of time and stash it in the fridge.

Step-by-Step: How To Nail Your Shrimp Stir-Fry

1. Mix Up The Sauce

Start by whisking together water, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, rice vinegar, hot sauce, and cornstarch. Make sure the cornstarch dissolves completely so your sauce turns smooth and glossy. Set it aside.

Glass bowl of homemade stir-fry sauce with soy sauce and cornstarch – easy recipe for healthy dinners

Hand holding a glass bowl of smooth stir-fry sauce – perfect for quick and healthy weeknight meals

2. Sear The Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry to help them brown. Add them to a hot skillet with a little oil and cook for about a minute on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer them to a plate so they don’t overcook.

Raw shrimp cooking in a skillet – perfect protein option for fast, healthy dinners

Cooked shrimp in a skillet, seasoned and sizzling – fast protein for healthy dinners or meal prep

3. Cook The Veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and toss in the veggies. Start with the firmer ones like broccoli and follow with peppers and green onions. Cook until bright and just tender.

Broccoli, bell peppers, and chopped green onions in a pan – healthy veggie base for easy dinner recipes

Bright green broccoli and sliced bell peppers in a skillet – easy vegetable stir fry for meal prep and weeknight dinners

4. Add Aromatics & Sauce

Stir in the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds. Pour in your prepared sauce and let it thicken as it simmers. The aroma at this point is wonderful and inviting.

Sautéed broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers in a skillet with stir-fry sauce – simple healthy vegetable dinner

5. Bring It All Together

Add the shrimp back to the pan and toss everything until the sauce coats the shrimp and veggies.

Colorful shrimp stir-fry with broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers in a skillet – easy healthy dinner ready in 15 minutes

6. Serve

Enjoy it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Sprinkle green onions or sesame seeds on top for a simple finish.

Bowl of shrimp stir-fry served over white rice with broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds – healthy dinner recipe

Recipe Hacks, Swaps, and Tips

Ingredient Swaps

No shrimp? Try chicken, beef, pork, or tofu.
Gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos.
No cornstarch? Arrowroot powder works well.

Veggie Playbook

This recipe is perfect for using what you already have. Snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, and baby corn all fit right in.

Pro Tips for Perfection

Dry the shrimp before cooking for better browning.
Use a large pan for faster cooking.
Don’t cook the shrimp too long. They’re done as soon as they turn opaque.
Make the stir-fry sauce ahead to save time.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently in a skillet or the microwave.

Close-up of shrimp stir-fry with broccoli, red and yellow peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds in a bowl – fast healthy dinner recipe

How To Serve & Make It A Meal

Serve over your favorite grain, or opt for noodles or cauliflower rice. If you’re feeding a family, make extra veggies and let everyone build their own bowl. It’s a fun way to keep dinner simple and customizable for kids and adults.
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FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes, then pat dry before cooking.

What’s the best pan for stir-fry?

A large cast iron skillet or a wok works well. A bigger surface helps the food cook quickly and evenly.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can make the stir-fry sauce several days ahead. For the best texture, cook the shrimp and vegetables right before serving.

What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry, mirin, or even water work as substitutes.