If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, this Shortcut Shrimp, Broccoli & Wonton Stir Fry with Marinated Cucumbers is the perfect choice! With tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and crispy wontons tossed in a delicious stir-fry sauce, this dish is as quick as it is tasty. The marinated cucumbers on the side add a refreshing, tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the savory stir fry. You won’t believe how easily this dish comes together, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Shortcut Shrimp, Broccoli & Wonton Stir Fry with Marinated Cucumbers
This Shortcut Shrimp, Broccoli & Wonton Stir Fry with Marinated Cucumbers is the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights. Begin by preparing the stir-fry sauce by whisking together rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), mirin, sesame oil, soy sauce, and grated garlic in a small bowl. Divide the sauce in half—one part will marinate the cucumbers, and the other part will be used for the stir fry. For the cucumbers, slice the Persian cucumbers and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water, then rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss the cucumbers with half of the stir-fry sauce, and season to taste before setting them aside.
Next, make sure the shrimp is thawed and patted dry. Cook the frozen wontons or gyoza according to the package instructions, then set them aside. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper slices, and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the vegetables just begin to soften. Add the thawed shrimp to the pan, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through. Pour in the remaining stir-fry sauce, and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce if needed.
Once the shrimp are cooked, add the wontons or gyoza to the pan, increasing the heat to high. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the sauce coats the shrimp, vegetables, and wontons evenly. Serve the stir fry with extra sauce on the side and the marinated cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with chili oil and sesame seeds for a flavorful finish.
Stir Fry Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
Want to take your stir fry game to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to make this Shortcut Shrimp, Broccoli & Wonton Stir Fry with Marinated Cucumbers even more delicious:
- Use a Hot Pan: The secret to the perfect stir fry is cooking everything over high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is nice and hot before you toss in your vegetables and shrimp. This gives everything that beautiful, slightly charred flavor while keeping the veggies crisp.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’ve got too many ingredients in your pan at once, they’ll steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary—this will ensure that everything gets that wonderful stir-fry texture.
- Thaw Your Shrimp Properly: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before cooking. Excess moisture can make your stir fry soggy, and nobody wants that! A paper towel works wonders here.
- Get Creative with Vegetables: While this recipe calls for broccoli and red bell peppers, feel free to switch things up. Snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or even baby corn would make a tasty addition. Stir fry is all about using what you have on hand!
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of hot sesame oil to the sauce. It’ll kick the flavors up a notch and give your stir fry a delightful fiery twist.
- Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: If you’ve got the time, marinate your cucumbers for an hour or even overnight. The longer they sit in the sauce, the more flavorful they’ll become—perfect for a deeper, tangier bite alongside your stir fry.
With these simple tips, you’ll be a stir fry pro in no time! Now, enjoy your quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
Why We Love Marinated Cucumbers: The Perfect Sidekick to Shortcut Shrimp, Broccoli & Wonton Stir Fry with Marinated Cucumbers
There’s something magical about the combination of hot and cold, and marinated cucumbers bring just that to the table. This Shortcut Shrimp, Broccoli & Wonton Stir Fry with Marinated Cucumbers doesn’t just offer a quick, flavorful main course—it’s elevated by the refreshing and tangy marinated cucumbers that pair perfectly with the rich stir fry. Let’s dive into why cucumbers are the ideal companion for a stir fry dish like this!
1. A Cool Contrast to Hot Stir Fry
One of the best parts about serving marinated cucumbers with stir fry is the contrast in temperatures. While the stir fry is piping hot, the cucumbers are chilled, providing a refreshing break between bites of the savory, flavorful main dish. The cool crunch of the cucumbers balances the richness of the shrimp, wontons, and stir-fried vegetables, making each bite of the stir fry feel even more satisfying. It’s like having a palate cleanser built right into the meal, and it keeps things exciting!
2. Perfectly Pickled: A Burst of Tangy Flavor
The marinated cucumbers aren’t just refreshing—they’re full of flavor! The vinegar-based marinade gives them a tangy kick that adds a zingy contrast to the savory elements of the stir fry. The sugar (or honey) in the marinade balances the acidity of the vinegar, creating a delicious sweet-and-sour flavor profile that complements the umami richness of the stir fry sauce. It’s a flavor explosion with each bite—crisp, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness.
3. Healthy & Hydrating
Cucumbers are naturally hydrating, and they bring a light, fresh element to your meal that’s not only tasty but also healthy. With a high water content (around 95%), cucumbers help keep you feeling refreshed and nourished. Plus, they’re low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. These marinated cucumbers give you all the benefits of a healthy, hydrating snack while enhancing the flavors of your main dish.
4. A Simple, Yet Sophisticated Addition
Though cucumbers are simple in nature, marinating them with a few pantry staples (like rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic) transforms them into something special. The beauty of marinated cucumbers lies in their ability to be a simple, no-fuss side dish that feels fancy and thoughtful. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a weeknight meal, marinated cucumbers add a level of sophistication without requiring much effort. They’re an easy way to elevate the meal with just a few ingredients and a little patience (let the cucumbers sit for 30 minutes to really absorb the flavors).
5. Versatility Beyond Stir Fry
While marinated cucumbers are fantastic with this shrimp stir fry, they’re versatile enough to pair with so many different dishes. They can be served as a side for grilled meats, tossed into salads for extra crunch, or even enjoyed as a snack on their own. You can experiment with different marinades by adding chili flakes for a spicy kick or fresh herbs for an aromatic twist. Marinated cucumbers are a great way to add a burst of freshness to any meal.
More Recipes from Rustic Joyful Food
If you loved this recipe, you’ll love any of these equally delicious dinner options!
- Sticky, Spicy Asian Beef Bowls
- Crispy, Sweet Chili & Sesame Shrimp
- Sticky, Sweet, Spicy Asian Salmon & Rice Noodles
- Sticky, Spicy Soy & Ginger Boneless Short Rib Bao Buns
Shortcut Shrimp, Broccoli & Wonton Stir Fry with Marinated Cucumbers
Equipment
- Whisk
- Large skillet or wok
- Small bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Paper towels
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 16- ounce bag of frozen wontons or gyoza
- 1 12- ounce bag of peeled and deveined frozen shrimp
- 2-3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 2-3 tablespoons mirin substitute more rice vinegar if you don’t have mirin
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic grated or minced
Marinated Cucumbers
- 4-5 Persian cucumbers sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon chili oil or to taste
- Sesame seeds sprinkle as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: Whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), mirin, sesame oil, soy sauce, and grated garlic in a small bowl. Divide the sauce in half—one half will be used to marinate the cucumbers, and the other half will be used in the stir fry.
- Marinate the Cucumbers: Slice the Persian cucumbers and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water, then rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel. Add half of the stir-fry sauce to the cucumbers and season to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare the Stir Fry: Make sure the shrimp is thawed and patted dry. Cook the wontons or gyoza according to the package instructions, then set them aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the broccoli and red bell pepper for 1-2 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the thawed shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through.
- Combine the Stir-Fry: Add the remaining half of the stir-fry sauce to the pan and season with more soy sauce if needed. Then, add the cooked wontons or gyoza to the pan. Crank the heat to high and gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry with extra sauce on the side and the marinated cucumbers. Garnish with chili oil and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.