There’s something special about cooking on a Blackstone griddle that brings out bold flavors and quick, even cooking. Our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry recipe takes full advantage of this versatile tool, delivering a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
To create our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry, we carefully select fresh ingredients that deliver vibrant flavors and perfect texture on the griddle. Below, you’ll find all you need to prepare this quick and delicious meal.
Shrimp and Stir Fry Components
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for extra flavor)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, washed and trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for high-heat cooking on the Blackstone)
Sauce Ingredients
Our savory sauce perfectly complements the shrimp and vegetables, adding a rich umami kick to this stir fry.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon (optional for heat) |
Optional Garnishes
To finish our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry with a burst of freshness and texture, consider these garnishes:
- Chopped green onions for a mild onion crunch
- Toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness
- Fresh cilantro leaves to brighten the dish
- Lime wedges for a zesty squeeze just before serving
Each ingredient is chosen to maximize the Blackstone griddle’s ability to bring out natural flavors while cooking quickly and evenly.
Equipment Needed
To execute our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry recipe flawlessly, gathering the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and optimal cooking results on the Blackstone griddle.
Essential Cooking Tools
- Blackstone Griddle: The heart of this recipe, providing consistent heat and ample surface area for quick stir-frying.
- Metal Spatula: Ideal for flipping shrimp and vegetables efficiently on the griddle without scratching the surface.
- Tongs: Offer precise control when turning shrimp or tossing veggies mid-cook.
- Mixing Bowls: Use multiple sizes for marinating shrimp, combining the sauce ingredients, and holding prepped vegetables.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing the savory stir fry sauce flavors.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and mincing garlic and ginger.
Optional But Helpful Gadgets
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Silicone Basting Brush | For evenly coating shrimp with oil or marinade |
| Garlic Press | Quickly minces garlic for bold flavor infusion |
| Griddle Scraper | Helps keep the griddle surface clean during cooking |
| Serving Spoon or Ladle | Efficiently transfers stir fry from griddle to plates |
Key Considerations
“Using the Blackstone griddle unlocks incredible flavor depth and texture in our shrimp stir fry, but the right tools ensure everything goes off without a hitch.”
By preparing these tools ahead, we streamline the cooking process, letting the vibrant ingredients and rich sauce shine on our Blackstone griddle.
Prep Work
To ensure our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry comes out perfectly, thorough prep work is essential. Let’s get everything ready before we hit the griddle.
Cleaning and Deveining Shrimp
We start by selecting fresh or thawed large shrimp. Proper cleaning and deveining are crucial for a clean taste and pleasing texture.
- Rinse shrimp under cold running water.
- Remove shells by peeling from the head down, leaving tails on if desired for presentation.
- Using a sharp paring knife, make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s back.
- Extract the dark vein using the knife tip or rinse it out under water.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure even searing on the griddle.
Chopping Vegetables
Fresh vegetables give the stir fry its vibrant color and crunch. We aim for uniform pieces to cook evenly.
| Vegetable | Prep | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Cut into small florets | Bite-sized |
| Red Bell Pepper | Remove seeds and core | Thin strips or ½-inch cubes |
| Onion | Peel and halve | Thin wedges |
| Snap Peas | Trim ends | Whole or halved if large |
| Garlic | Peel | Mince finely |
| Ginger | Peel | Grate or mince finely |
Tip: Keep vegetables roughly the same size to achieve consistent cooking times and maintain texture.
Preparing the Sauce
Our savory sauce blends classic Asian flavor elements that balance sweetness and umami, perfectly coating the shrimp and vegetables.
- Measure and combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Whisk thoroughly until honey fully dissolves and sauce is smooth.
The sauce can be set aside or refrigerated briefly while we prepare the shrimp and vegetables. This step ensures a quick assembly on the Blackstone griddle without missing a beat.
Cooking Instructions
Mastering the Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe involves careful timing and precise technique. Let’s walk through each step to ensure vibrant textures and rich flavors.
Cooking the Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Ensure it is fully heated for even cooking.
- Lightly oil the griddle surface with a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or avocado oil.
- Season the prepared shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Place the shrimp on the griddle in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on one side until edges turn pink and firm.
- Flip shrimp using tongs or a metal spatula.
- Cook the opposite side for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until shrimp are fully opaque and curled.
- Remove shrimp and set aside on a warm plate.
Stir Frying the Vegetables
- Add a bit more oil to the griddle if necessary.
- Start by cooking the aromatics: ginger and garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli and onion first since they take longer to soften.
- Stir frequently, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until broccoli just begins to become tender.
- Add the red bell pepper and snap peas to the griddle.
- Continue stir-frying for another 2 to 3 minutes to retain crispness and vibrant color.
- Season lightly with salt during cooking to enhance natural flavors.
Combining Shrimp and Vegetables
- Return the cooked shrimp to the griddle.
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over shrimp and vegetables.
- Toss everything together gently but thoroughly using spatulas or tongs.
- Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
| Step | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat griddle | 5 minutes | 400°F (Medium-high) |
| Cook shrimp each side | 2 min / 1-2 min | 400°F |
| Stir fry aromatics | 30 seconds | Medium-high |
| Cook harder veggies | 3-4 minutes | Medium-high |
| Cook softer veggies | 2-3 minutes | Medium-high |
| Combine and sauce | 1-2 minutes | Medium-high |
Assembly and Serving
Once our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry is perfectly cooked and infused with the savory sauce, it’s time to assemble and present it beautifully for maximum enjoyment. Proper plating and serving elevate the overall experience and spotlight the vibrant colors and textures of our fresh ingredients.
Plating the Stir Fry
We begin by using a large serving platter or shallow bowl to showcase the entire stir fry. Spread the shrimp and vegetables evenly to highlight the crisp snap peas, bright red bell peppers, and tender broccoli florets. For visual appeal and added flavor, we sprinkle optional garnishes such as:
- Chopped green onions for a mild onion bite
- Toasted sesame seeds to add a subtle nutty crunch
- Fresh cilantro leaves for herbal brightness
- Lime wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating
This layering ensures every bite bursts with balanced savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Using a wide, shallow dish also helps the stir fry cool evenly and invites guests to serve themselves easily.
Suggested Side Dishes
To complement our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry, consider these well-matched side dishes that balance flavor and texture without overpowering the main:
| Side Dish | Description | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Lightly fragrant with a soft, fluffy texture | Soaks up the savory sauce and adds heartiness |
| Garlic Fried Rice | Rice stir-fried with garlic and scallions for extra flavor | Adds depth and crunch for variety |
| Asian Slaw | Crisp shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing | Provides refreshing crunch and acidity |
| Edamame Beans | Lightly salted steamed soybeans | Simple, nutritious bite alongside the stir fry |
We recommend serving warm rice or slaw immediately to maintain contrast of hot stir fry and cool, crisp sides. This creates a well-rounded meal that satisfies on all levels while showcasing the best attributes of our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry.
Make-Ahead Tips
To streamline our Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe preparation, we can focus on essential steps done ahead of time without compromising freshness and flavor.
Prep Shrimp and Vegetables in Advance
- Clean and devein the shrimp the day before. Rinse well, remove shells, devein, then pat them dry. Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Chop all vegetables uniformly—broccoli, red bell pepper, onion, snap peas, garlic, and ginger. Store these prepped vegetables separately in sealed containers or resealable bags to retain crispness.
Make the Stir Fry Sauce Ahead
- Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes in a small jar or bowl.
- Seal tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, perfect for a quick sauce addition during cooking.
Storage and Timing Guide
| Item | Prep Time | Storage Method | Use Within |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | 15 minutes | Airtight container, fridge | 24 hours |
| Chopped vegetables | 15-20 minutes | Sealed container/bags, fridge | 24 hours |
| Stir fry sauce | 5-7 minutes | Sealed jar/bottle, fridge | 3-4 days |
“Making these elements ahead gives us a head start to cooking on the Blackstone griddle without sacrificing any freshness or texture.“
Tips for Reheating Prepped Ingredients
- Bring pre-chopped vegetables to room temperature before cooking to ensure even stir fry.
- Pat shrimp dry again if any moisture accumulates during storage to achieve a perfect sear on the griddle.
- Shake or stir the sauce before use to recombine ingredients.
These make-ahead tips help us cut down active cooking time yet keep the vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures that define the Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry experience.
Conclusion
Mastering the Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry opens up a world of flavorful and efficient cooking. With the right prep, tools, and techniques, we can create a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only celebrates fresh ingredients but also makes weeknight meals exciting and satisfying.
By embracing make-ahead tips and smart cooking strategies, we ensure every bite bursts with bold flavors and perfect textures. Whether for a quick dinner or casual gathering, this stir fry delivers consistently delicious results that keep us coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of cooking on a Blackstone griddle?
The Blackstone griddle offers quick, even cooking and enhances flavors by allowing food to sear perfectly. It’s versatile, easy to clean, and ideal for meals like stir fry, pancakes, and burgers.
What ingredients are used in the Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry recipe?
The recipe features large shrimp, broccoli, red bell pepper, onion, snap peas, garlic, and ginger, combined with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes.
What essential tools do I need for this recipe on a Blackstone griddle?
You’ll need a Blackstone griddle, metal spatula, tongs, mixing bowls, measuring spoons and cups, a knife, and cutting board. Optional tools include a silicone basting brush, garlic press, griddle scraper, and serving spoon.
How should I prep the shrimp and vegetables for the stir fry?
Clean and devein the shrimp, chop vegetables uniformly, and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Proper prep ensures even cooking and maximizes flavor.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with the Blackstone Shrimp Stir Fry?
Good options include steamed jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, Asian slaw, and edamame beans. These sides complement the stir fry’s flavors and textures.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, shrimp can be cleaned and deveined a day ahead, vegetables chopped uniformly, and the sauce made in advance to let flavors meld. Store prepped items properly to retain freshness.
How do I reheat prepped ingredients without compromising quality?
Reheat on the Blackstone griddle over medium heat, stirring frequently for even warming while preserving texture and flavor.
What makes the sauce in this recipe special?
The sauce balances salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes using soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes, enhancing the dish’s overall depth.