The Shrimp and Mushroom Stir Fry is your new go-to for fast, flavorful dinners that feel like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. This dish brings together tender shrimp, meaty cremini mushrooms, and a rich garlic-soy glaze that coats everything in umami perfection.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its versatility and speed. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Pair it with rice or noodles and top it with sesame seeds and scallions for a fresh crunch that balances the savory sauce beautifully.
Full Recipe:
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1 pound large raw shrimp (31–35 count), peeled
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12 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered or sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 scallions, chopped
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1 1/2 cups chicken stock
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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Cooked white rice, to serve
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, minced garlic, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside. Whisk again just before using.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for about 8 minutes until softened and browned at the edges.
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Add shrimp to the skillet. If needed, add a bit more oil. Stir constantly and cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
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Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat all ingredients. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add water by the tablespoon if it becomes too thick.
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Stir in chopped scallions and mix thoroughly.
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Serve over white rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 232 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
A Quick and Flavor-Packed Dish for Busy Weeknights
The Shrimp and Mushroom Stir Fry is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can transform into a flavorful, satisfying dish in under 30 minutes. This recipe is tailor-made for weeknight cooking, offering convenience without compromising on taste. Stir frying, a classic Asian cooking technique, is known for its speed and the way it intensifies flavor by cooking ingredients quickly over high heat. That’s precisely what this dish delivers: bold, savory flavors, tender shrimp, and hearty mushrooms wrapped in a silky, garlic-infused soy sauce.
The Stir Fry Advantage
Stir fries are one of the most versatile and accessible meals in any home cook’s arsenal. Not only are they fast and simple, but they are also easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. In this particular recipe, the combination of seafood and earthy vegetables creates a perfect balance between protein and produce, with a dynamic contrast in texture and flavor.
The technique centers around cooking everything in a single pan—either a wok or a large skillet—which means minimal cleanup. Stir frying encourages high-heat cooking that seals in moisture, allowing shrimp to remain succulent while mushrooms get a nice sear on the outside and retain their meaty bite.
Why Shrimp Is a Great Choice
Shrimp is often underrated in the kitchen despite being one of the fastest-cooking and most nutritious proteins available. In this dish, large raw shrimp are used for their juicy texture and ability to soak up sauces quickly. Their mild flavor allows them to pair well with savory sauces, garlic, and umami-forward ingredients like soy.
When cooked properly, shrimp develop a tender, springy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft mushrooms. Because shrimp only take 2–3 minutes to cook, they help keep the recipe quick and ensure the dish can be ready in under half an hour, prep to plate.
The Depth and Versatility of Mushrooms
Mushrooms play a key supporting role in this dish. While cremini mushrooms are the suggested variety, their earthy richness makes them ideal for stir fries where they can absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming soggy. Unlike delicate vegetables, mushrooms hold their own in high heat, developing a golden brown color and intensified flavor.
Cremini mushrooms offer a more complex taste than white button mushrooms, and their firm texture mimics that of meat, making them excellent for creating a hearty, balanced plate. You could also swap in shiitake mushrooms for a bolder, woodier taste, or mix several types for a deeper umami profile.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Soy Sauce
A good stir fry hinges on its sauce. In this recipe, the sauce is a simple but impactful blend of chicken stock, garlic, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The garlic adds a sharp aromatic base that melds into the savoriness of the soy sauce, while the chicken stock gives it body and richness. Cornstarch acts as a thickener, ensuring the sauce clings to every bite without being overly gloppy.
Once the sauce hits the hot pan, it transforms quickly into a velvety glaze that coats the shrimp and mushrooms, binding the components of the stir fry with savory harmony. You can easily tweak the sauce to match your palate—spice lovers can add chili oil or red pepper flakes, while others might prefer a touch of honey or brown sugar for balance.
Tips for Successful Stir Frying
Success with this dish lies in preparation and timing. Before you heat your skillet, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Stir frying moves quickly, and having to stop and chop can lead to overcooked or uneven results.
Make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients—this is essential for achieving the caramelized edges on mushrooms and sealing in the juices of the shrimp. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the ingredients will steam instead of sear, leaving them soggy rather than crisp-tender.
Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan. Even though it’s tempting to toss everything in at once, cooking in batches ensures that everything browns properly and doesn’t release excess moisture.
Customizing the Dish to Suit Your Taste
One of the most appealing aspects of this stir fry is its flexibility. While shrimp and mushrooms are the stars, you can make this dish your own by swapping in different vegetables or proteins. Consider adding snap peas, red bell peppers, slivered carrots, or baby bok choy for extra color, crunch, and nutrients.
If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, chicken or tofu are excellent alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly—chicken should be cooked through before the sauce is added, while tofu benefits from being pan-fried until golden to maintain its texture.
You can also serve this stir fry with different bases. White rice is classic, but jasmine or brown rice, rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice make excellent accompaniments depending on your dietary preferences.
Nutritional Benefits of the Dish
This dish is as wholesome as it is flavorful. Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein and key nutrients like selenium, B12, and iodine. Mushrooms contribute antioxidants, fiber, and a range of B vitamins. The sauce—though deeply flavorful—uses modest amounts of oil and can be adjusted for sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce or substituting tamari.
With the addition of a vegetable and grain base, this stir fry creates a complete and balanced meal with healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber—all in under 300 calories per serving.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Although best served fresh, the Shrimp and Mushroom Stir Fry holds up well as a meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the shrimp and mushrooms. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce as it reheats and maintain its silky consistency.
This makes it a smart choice for those who like to cook once and enjoy multiple meals with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with plain steamed rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce and balances the savoriness of the dish. You could also consider serving it with coconut rice or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the delicate seafood flavors. Alternatively, a cold glass of unsweetened iced tea or a light lager would work well, especially if you add spice to the dish.
Conclusion
The Shrimp and Mushroom Stir Fry is a must-have recipe for any home cook looking to bring bold flavors and satisfying textures to the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy, adaptable, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or looking for a dish that fits into your healthy eating goals, this stir fry delivers. It’s the kind of meal you’ll make once and then come back to again and again. With a savory garlic soy glaze, juicy shrimp, and meaty mushrooms, this recipe is the ultimate in quick comfort food done right.