Shrimp Stir-Fry With Snap Peas and Baby Corn Recipe

Shrimp Stir-Fry With Snap Peas and Baby Corn Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables

This flavorful stir-fry brings together succulent shrimp and fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect served over rice, this dish is both quick and delicious.

Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can baby corn, drained
  • 8 ounces snap peas
  • 1 (6 1/2 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Directions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, cornstarch, garlic, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the baby corn, snap peas, and mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for about 4 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes, or until shrimp begin to turn pink.
  5. Pour the reserved sauce into the wok, stirring to coat the shrimp and vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  6. Serve immediately over steamed rice. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories 150
Total Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 95mg
Sodium 1030mg
Total Carbohydrate 17g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 21mg
Calcium 65mg
Iron 2mg
Potassium 382mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins of Shrimp Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Baby Corn

The dish known as shrimp stir-fry with snap peas and baby corn finds its roots in traditional Asian cooking, particularly from Chinese culinary traditions. Stir-frying as a technique has been practiced in China for centuries, originating during the Han Dynasty as a quick and efficient method to cook vegetables and proteins over high heat. The combination of shrimp, snap peas, and baby corn reflects the Chinese emphasis on balancing flavors and texturestender, sweet, and crisp elements in a single dish. Over time, this dish evolved and spread to other Asian countries, adapting to local tastes and ingredient availability.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

In southern China, shrimp stir-fries are often lighter and sweeter, using ingredients like honey or mild soy sauce. In contrast, regions such as Sichuan may add a hint of spice with crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil. Snap peas, which are native to Europe but widely cultivated in Asia, are typically prized for their crunch and bright green color, while baby corn adds a delicate sweetness that balances the seafood. The mushrooms included in the recipe reflect a common East Asian technique of combining multiple vegetable textures for visual and culinary appeal.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While shrimp stir-fries are common, this particular combination stands out for its use of both snap peas and baby corn, which creates a distinctive texture profile. Unlike shrimp fried rice or shrimp chow mein, this dish does not include heavy noodles or rice within the stir-fry itself, keeping the dish light and focused on the fresh vegetables. The sauce, blending soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, and Hoisin, offers a subtle sweet-and-savory contrast that is milder than the intensely spicy or heavily garlicky sauces found in some other stir-fry variations.

Typical Serving Context

This stir-fry is most often served as a main course for lunch or dinner and is commonly accompanied by steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. In Asian households, it might be part of a larger meal with multiple small dishes, including soups, dumplings, and pickled vegetables. In Western adaptations, it often appears in casual dining restaurants or home-cooked weeknight meals, appreciated for its quick preparation and balance of protein, vegetables, and flavor.

Interesting Facts

  • Stir-frying uses very high heat and a small amount of oil, which helps preserve the nutrients in vegetables while cooking shrimp rapidly.
  • Baby corn is harvested before it fully matures, which is why it has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than regular corn.
  • Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood items used in stir-fries because it cooks quickly and absorbs sauces effectively.
  • The combination of sweet, sour, and umami flavors in the sauce mirrors the traditional Chinese culinary principle of balancing the five tastes in one dish.
  • This dish can be easily adapted to include other vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile choice in both Asian and global cuisines.

FAQ about Shrimp Stir-Fry With Snap Peas and Baby Corn Recipe

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Freezing is not recommended for best texture, as shrimp and vegetables may become mushy when thawed. If needed, freeze the cooked shrimp separately and vegetables separately, then combine when reheating.

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly as frozen shrimp may release extra moisture.

You can substitute snap peas and baby corn with bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans. Adjust stir-fry time according to vegetable hardness.

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before adding to the stir-fry.

This recipe contains soy sauce, which is high in sodium. You can use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount to lower sodium content.

Yes, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Omit for a milder flavor or increase for more heat.

Yes, use a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet. Ensure it is hot enough to quickly sear the shrimp and vegetables.

Cook vegetables over medium-high heat for a short time, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir constantly to maintain crisp-tender texture.