If you love quick, flavorful meals that come together in a flash, this Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. This dish is light, fresh, and loaded with savory goodness from the shrimp, crisp zucchini, and a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors with a hint of tangy richness that takes everything to the next level.

Trust me, once you make your own teriyaki sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. The homemade version is rich, flavorful, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a bottle. The best part? It takes just minutes to prep, and the stir fry itself comes together even faster. Your taste buds will be dancing with every bite!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: It’s a one-pan wonder that works as a quick dinner or lunch.

Budget-Friendly: Shrimp and zucchini are relatively inexpensive, and you’ll have all the teriyaki sauce ingredients right in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Customizable: Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Need a protein swap? Chicken or tofu works beautifully too.

Crowd-Pleasing: A flavorful meal that’s light but filling—ideal for impressing friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki

This stir fry is a combination of fresh ingredients and homemade sauce that’ll make you want to serve it over and over again:

Shrimp: Sweet, tender shrimp are the perfect protein to complement the zucchini. They’re quick to cook and absorb all that amazing teriyaki flavor.

Zucchini: Fresh and crisp, zucchini adds a subtle sweetness and nice crunch to the stir fry.

Garlic: Adds a rich, savory base that makes everything taste better.

Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the sauce a spicy, aromatic kick that’s essential to teriyaki’s unique flavor profile.

Soy Sauce: The salty, umami-rich base for the homemade teriyaki sauce.

Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild tang to the teriyaki sauce that makes it perfectly balanced.

Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way, adding that signature nutty flavor that’s key to stir fry.

Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the teriyaki sauce if you like it a little more glossy.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Make the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bit of cold water and add it to the mixture. Set the sauce aside.

Prepare the Shrimp and Zucchini

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice the zucchini into half-moons or rounds, depending on your preference.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet or wok, heat a little sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Stir Fry the Zucchini

In the same pan, add a bit more sesame oil if needed and toss in the zucchini. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, or until it’s just tender but still slightly crisp. You want that perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.

Add the Sauce

Return the shrimp to the pan and pour the homemade teriyaki sauce over everything. Stir to coat the shrimp and zucchini evenly. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stir fry over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a touch of freshness. Dig in and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~220 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
• With noodles like soba or udon for a cozy, noodle-packed dish.
• Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy to complete the meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss in some fresh chili slices when cooking the shrimp.
• To make the sauce even richer, you can add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or peanut butter to the mix.
• This dish is great for meal prep store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes! Chicken breast or thighs would be a great swap. Just make sure to cook it through before adding the sauce.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the shrimp for tofu or tempeh, and you’ll still have a delicious, protein-packed meal.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 1 month. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and let it cool before freezing.

4. What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil, though you’ll miss the distinct sesame flavor.

5. Can I add other veggies to this stir fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots would all be fantastic additions to this dish.

6. How can I make the teriyaki sauce spicier?
Add a little chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

7. Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
You can, but the homemade version is far more flavorful and customizable. Plus, it’s so easy to make!

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir fries are best when fresh, you can prep the sauce and chop your veggies and shrimp ahead of time for a super quick dinner later on.

9. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce before adding it to the stir fry.

10. What’s a good alternative to rice?
Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even zucchini noodles would be excellent, lighter alternatives to traditional rice.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry with Homemade Teriyaki is the kind of meal that makes you look like a pro in the kitchen without all the work. The homemade teriyaki sauce is the perfect balance of flavors, and the shrimp and zucchini cook up quickly for a meal that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving the whole family, this stir fry is a deliciously easy option that won’t disappoint. Enjoy every savory bite!

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