Shrimp and Yellow Squash Stir Fry

This Shrimp and Yellow Squash Stir Fry is one of those simple, reliable dishes you can make any time of year. Juicy shrimp, tender yellow squash, and a light savory seasoning come together quickly for an easy, colorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Yellow squash cooks fast, so it stays slightly crisp while soaking up all the flavors and paired with shrimp, it makes a light yet satisfying dish that's great served with rice or enjoyed on its own.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy - This shrimp and yellow squash stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Light but satisfying - Juicy shrimp paired with tender yellow squash makes a dish that's flavorful without feeling heavy.
• Simple ingredients - You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
• Year-round friendly - Yellow squash is available in most grocery stores all year, so you can make this anytime.
• Versatile - Serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal.
• Great for beginners - Minimal prep and fast cooking make this a great intro stir fry recipe.

About the Ingredients

Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly and brings plenty of flavor to this simple stir fry. Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. A light marinade with cornstarch and rice cooking wine helps season the shrimp and gives them a tender, slightly silky texture once cooked.

Yellow Squash
Yellow squash adds color, freshness, and a mild sweetness to the dish. For even cooking, the squash is sliced into rounds and then halved, creating bite-sized pieces that cook quickly while still holding their shape. This keeps the squash tender without becoming mushy.

Green Onions
Green onions add a subtle onion flavor and a pop of color. Cutting them into 1-inch pieces helps them soften slightly during cooking while still staying vibrant.

Rice Cooking Wine (Michiu)
Michiu adds a gentle depth of flavor to the shrimp without overpowering the dish. If you don't have it, dry sherry or a splash of broth can work as a substitute.

Cornstarch & Oil
Cornstarch is used lightly to coat the shrimp, helping lock in moisture during cooking. A neutral cooking oil allows the natural flavors of the shrimp and yellow squash to shine.

How to Stir Fry Shrimp and Yellow Squash (Step by Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• Shrimp Marinade
  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon michiu / rice cooking wine
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil/fat of choice
• 1 large summer squash, sliced and halved
• 2 green onions, chopped 1 inch length
• Salt to taste

Start by marinating the shrimp. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with cornstarch, rice cooking wine, and salt, tossing gently until evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-30 minutes. This simple step helps season the shrimp and gives them a slightly silky texture once cooked.

When ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and stir fry briefly, just until they begin to turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage - the shrimp should still be slightly underdone. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to the same pan, then add the sliced yellow squash and green onions. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the squash to soften while still keeping a bit of bite. You want the squash tender but not mushy, with a light sheen from the oil.

Return the shrimp to the pan and season with salt to taste. Stir fry everything together for a few more seconds, just until the shrimp are fully cooked and everything is evenly combined.

Remove from heat and serve!

Storage & Reheating

Storage:
Allow the shrimp and yellow squash stir fry to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Because shrimp cooks quickly, this dish is best enjoyed fresh but still reheats well for leftovers.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or oil to prevent drying out. Stir just until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

Can I substitute another vegetable for yellow squash?
Absolutely. Zucchini works very well and can be prepared the same way. You can also try snap peas, asparagus, or even broccoli florets.

How do I keep the squash from getting soggy?
Cook the squash over relatively high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir frying it briefly helps maintain a tender-crisp texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking, but it can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated before serving if needed.

Continue to Content

Shrimp & Yellow Squash Stir Fry Recipe

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This Shrimp and Yellow Squash Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish made with tender marinated shrimp, sliced yellow squash, and green onions. Light, simple, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Print

Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon michiu (rice cooking wine)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Stir Fry

• 2 tablespoon cooking oil, divided
• 1 large yellow squash, sliced into rounds and halved
• 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, cornstarch, rice cooking wine, and salt. Mix well and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over high heat. Add the shrimp and stir fry just until they begin to turn pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir fry the yellow squash and green onions for 2–3 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Return the shrimp to the pan, season with salt to taste, and stir fry for a few more seconds until the shrimp are fully cooked.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

• Do not overcook the shrimp - they cook very quickly and can become rubbery.
• Zucchini can be used as a substitute for yellow squash.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Hiware 10-Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks - Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 ½ Inches - Black
• 
  Eleulife Wok Pan with Lid, 13 Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Spatula, Nonstick Woks and Stir-fry Pans, No Chemical Coated Flat Bottom Chinese Wok for Induction, Electric, Gas Stove, All Stoves
• 
  Michiu (Rice Cooking Wine)- 750ml (Pack of 1) by QIAN HU

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: ¼ of plate
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 310Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 240mgSodium: 1621mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 27g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.

Did you like this recipe?

📸 Share it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest and tag @ohsnapletseat — I’d love to see (and share) your creation!

More Delicious Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes!

If you love quick and easy shrimp stir fries like this one, here are a few more reader favorites!

Shrimp Cabbage Stir Fry - Marinated shrimp stir fried with cabbage in a savory sauce. Easy to make, comforting, and great with rice.

Shrimp Bok Choy Stir Fry - Tender marinated shrimp stir fried with bok choy and thinly sliced ginger. A simple, light seafood dish that's perfect any night of the week.

Shrimp Snap Peas Stir Fry - Juicy shrimp paired with crisp snap peas and garlic for a fast, colorful stir fry that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Shrimp Cucumber Stir Fry - Marinated shrimp stir fried with crunchy cucumber and minced garlic. Light, refreshing, and surprisingly delicious!

Pin for later!