Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry

Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry! All it is is marinated shrimp stir fried with onions - so simple yet so tasty! I prefer it with some garlic salt only so I can just taste the shrimp and onions, but you can also add sauces if you'd like.

Jump to:

• About Onions
• About Shrimp
• How to make Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry (Step by Step)
• Storage and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes!

For some reason, this is something we make very often in my household growing up. I say it like I'm surprised, but it's really not surprising because it's 1) easy and 2) delicious. Literally just plump fresh shrimp and slice onions, stir fried together to the perfect doneness - yum! Here's my recipe for Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry.

About Onions

By the way, Onions are very healthy for you! One cup of onions is only 64 calories, while providing 15 grams of carbohydrate, 0 fat, 0 cholesterol, 3 grams of fiber, 7 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein and 10% or more of the daily value for vitamin C, vitamin B-6 and manganese.

About Shrimp

Note about the shrimp - get you some good ones. I recommend wild caught shrimp. Now, I am forced to get wild caught shrimp because I am allergic to farm raised shrimp. I break out in hives all over my face when I have more than like 3 shrimps.

It took forever for me to figure this out, by the way. Initially, I thought maybe I was getting a bunch of mosquito bites on my face. It didn't make any sense! Then I suspected it was shrimp finally, but couldn't figure out why sometimes I can eat all the shrimp ever and be fine, and sometimes I would break out in hives. By trial and error, I finally figured out it was only farm raised shrimp I was having issues with.

Sounds like a pain, but at the same time it really is a blessing in disguise. I did some research on farm raised shrimp - and they are pretty nasty business. Skip to the next session if you are easily grossed out.

Most shrimp farms are super crowded and unsanitary, and loads of pesticides, antibiotics (some that are banned), and chemicals are used to prevent diseases, and this ends up in the shrimp. Salmonella and E. coli have also been detected in imported shrimp.  ALSO, it is disgusting! Think mouse hair, rat hair, and pieces of insects - all things that can be found in shrimp farms. Learn more here.

Anyway, sorry, this isn't very appetizing... my point is get you some good wild caught shrimp! I normally buy Frozen, Peeled, and Deveined Shrimp.

How to make Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon michiu / rice cooking wine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, separated
• ½ cup of onions, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, as desired

Instructions

In a bowl, mix shrimp with cornstarch, rice cooking wine, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let it sit for 15 mins.

In a cooking pan or wok, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil on medium high heat. Once pan is hot, add shrimp laying on one side.

Let it cook for about 1 minute, and then turn to the other side for another 1 minute.

Remove from pan and set aside for now.

Add another tablespoon of cooking oil/fat of choice, and add sliced onions to pan.

Stir fry the onions until slightly translucent, and then add the shrimp back in the cooking pan, and add salt and garlic powder, and stir fry to mix well.

Let it cook while stirring occasionally for another minute or until shrimp is fully cooked, and then remove from heat and serve!

I used shrimp with tail on above, but you can make it with shrimp with no tail on also:

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shrimp tends to toughen if overcooked, so reheat gently.

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, just until heated through.
• Microwave: Use short 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between, to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Best enjoyed fresh, but careful reheating will preserve texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

What type of onion works best?
Yellow or white onions are classic, but sweet onions work nicely for a milder flavor.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely - bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli make great additions to bulk up the dish.

Why coat shrimp with cornstarch?
Cornstarch gives shrimp a tender texture when stir fried and helps seal in juiciness.

Do I need a wok?
No, a wok is ideal for even heat, but a large skillet works fine too.

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More Delicious Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes!

Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight meals! These shrimp stir fries pair well with rice or noodles and come together in no time.

• Shrimp and Egg Stir Fry (蝦仁炒蛋) - A Chinese classic featuring marinated shrimp stir-fried with fluffy scrambled eggs and green onions.
• Shrimp Cucumber Stir Fry - Marinated shrimp stir-fried with crunchy cucumber and minced garlic. Light, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
• Shrimp Celery Stir Fry - Crisp celery and juicy shrimp tossed in a light stir fry sauce. Great for a healthy, crunchy meal.
• Shrimp Snow Peas Stir Fry - Sweet snow peas paired with shrimp for a quick, nutritious dish full of texture and vibrant color.