If you are looking for a meal that is faster than takeout and much healthier, this Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry is your new best friend. There is something so incredibly satisfying about the snap of a fresh snow pea paired with succulent, juicy shrimp. Tossed in a savory sweet sauce that features the deep richness of kicap manis, this dish brings authentic Asian flavors right to your home kitchen in a matter of minutes.
The flavor profile of this stir fry is a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic. The oyster sauce provides that classic umami depth, while the sweet soy sauce adds a hint of caramelization that coats every ingredient perfectly. With the spicy kick of fresh ginger and the bold aroma of garlic, every bite feels bright and energizing. It is a light yet hearty meal that proves you do not need hours in the kitchen to create something extraordinary.
The Secret to a Perfect Stir Fry
The most important rule of stir frying is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you even turn on the stove. This process moves incredibly fast! By mixing your sauce in a small ramekin beforehand and having your shrimp patted dry, you prevent the pan from losing heat. A hot wok or skillet is essential to get that beautiful sear on the shrimp without making them rubbery. Remember, we want the snow peas to stay vibrant green and crunchy, so keep the heat high and the movement constant.
Expert Tips for Success
- Dry the Shrimp: Always pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking. Any excess moisture will cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, which prevents that lovely golden exterior from forming.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you are doubling this recipe, cook in batches. Overcrowding the wok will drop the temperature, and you will lose that signature stir fry texture.
- Ginger and Garlic Prep: Whether you mince or thinly slice your aromatics is up to you! Thinly sliced ginger gives a wonderful mild bite, while mincing it allows the flavor to melt completely into the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
This dish is fantastic for meal prep because it stays delicious even after a day in the fridge. Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, I recommend a quick toss in a hot skillet for a minute or two rather than using the microwave. This helps the snow peas retain some of their snap. While you can freeze the cooked shrimp, the snow peas will lose their crispness when thawed, so this dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh or shortly after cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sweet Soy Sauce: If you cannot find kicap manis, you can use regular soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey as a substitute.
- Vegetable Variations: If you do not have snow peas, snap peas or sliced bell peppers make a wonderful crunchy alternative.
- Protein Swaps: This sauce is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the shrimp for thinly sliced chicken breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, this stir fry is served over a steaming bed of fluffy white jasmine rice or nutty brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a low carb option, it tastes amazing over cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles. If you want to add a little crunch on top, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or some sliced green onions adds a beautiful finishing touch. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad for a complete, refreshing meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before they hit the wok.
Is rice cooking wine necessary? It adds a lovely authentic aroma, but if you prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a splash of water.
Why are my snow peas soft? You likely cooked them too long. They only need about sixty seconds in a very hot pan to turn bright green and stay crisp.
Equipment Needed
- A large wok or a heavy bottomed skillet
- Small ramekin for sauce mixing
- Chef’s knife for mincing aromatics
- Heat resistant spatula
Savory Sweet Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 10 oz raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 oz snow peas trimmed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce kicap manis
- 1/2 tablespoon rice cooking wine
- 2 to 4 cloves garlic minced or thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced or thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl or ramekin, whisk together the oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and rice cooking wine to create your stir fry sauce.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot and bubbly, add the shrimp. Stir fry for 2 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the wok immediately and set aside.
- Add another 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil to the wok. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for just a few seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the snow peas and stir fry for about 1 minute until they turn a vibrant, darker green.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the wok and pour in the prepared stir fry sauce.
- Stir everything together for about 1 minute until the sauce is bubbly and coats all the ingredients perfectly.
- Remove from the heat promptly to prevent overcooking the shrimp and serve immediately over rice.
