This Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe is a fast and flavorful stir-fry with juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and a sweet-spicy sauce—better than takeout!
You ever have one of those moments where you order something just to try it, and suddenly it becomes your go-to order every single time? That was me with Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp.
It was a random Tuesday night, and I was staring at the menu, fully prepared to get my usual (hello, Orange Chicken and Fried Rice). But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the shrimp. It was sizzling (literally), the veggies looked crisp and fresh, and the sauce was this perfect glossy, deep-red color. I hesitated for half a second, then went for it.
Best. Decision. Ever.
From the first bite, I was hooked. The shrimp were perfectly tender, the sauce had just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, and the snap peas? Crunchy in the best way possible. It was so good, I barely touched my fried rice (which, if you know me, is unheard of).
Fast forward a few weeks, and I realized I had a problem—I was craving it all the time, but I didn’t always want to run out to get it. So, I did what any food-obsessed person would do: I recreated it at home. And let me tell you—this homemade version is spot on.
Not only is it just as flavorful, but it’s also way fresher, slightly healthier (less oil, less sodium), and ready in 15 minutes. If you’re a fan of quick, easy, takeout-style meals, this Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe needs to be on your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe?
- Quicker than takeout. You can have this on the table in 15 minutes, which is faster than waiting in line.
- Incredibly flavorful. A perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory with just the right amount of heat.
- Healthier than the restaurant version. Fresh ingredients, less oil, and no weird preservatives.
- Minimal prep, big payoff. One pan, a handful of ingredients, and a crazy-good meal.
- Easily customizable. Adjust the spice, add more veggies, or swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
Ingredient Notes:
This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together in the best way possible. Let’s break it down:
Shrimp
- Go for large shrimp – They stay juicy and tender even when cooked at high heat.
- Fresh or frozen? Either works! Just thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Vegetables
- Sugar snap peas – Crisp, slightly sweet, and the perfect contrast to the bold sauce.
- Red bell pepper – Adds color and a little sweetness. Swap for yellow or green if you prefer.
- Yellow onion – A little caramelized sweetness goes a long way.
- Garlic – Because no good stir-fry skips garlic!
The Sauce
- Soy sauce & oyster sauce – These two bring that deep, umami-packed savory magic.
- Chili paste – Adds heat, but you can adjust to your spice preference.
- Brown sugar – Balances out the spice with a hint of sweetness.
- Rice vinegar – A little acidity to brighten everything up.
- Cornstarch + water – Thickens the sauce to coat everything perfectly.
Cooking Oil
- Vegetable oil – Great for high-heat cooking. You can also use peanut or sesame oil for extra flavor.
How To Make Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp?
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn pink and opaque. Take them out before they overcook! Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, until the onions start to soften and the garlic smells amazing.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Toss in the snap peas and red bell pepper, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. You want them bright, crisp, and just slightly tender—not soggy.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly as it thickens. Once it’s shiny and coats the veggies nicely, add the shrimp back in. Toss everything together until the shrimp is fully coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery.
- Freezing? Not recommended. Shrimp get weird when frozen and reheated.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Not a fan of spice? Swap the chili paste for sweet chili sauce for a milder version.
- Extra heat? Add a drizzle of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
- More veggies? Mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy would be amazing in this.
- No shrimp? Try chicken, tofu, or even beef instead.
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is GF-friendly.
What to Serve with Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp?
To make this a full Panda Express-inspired feast, try serving it with:
- Steamed jasmine rice – Simple, classic, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Fried rice – Because why not go all out?
- Lo mein noodles – Toss them in for a
noodle stir-fry version. - Egg rolls or dumplings – Takeout-style side dishes for the full experience.
- Asian cucumber salad – A fresh, cool contrast to the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yep! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
The sauce can be made in advance, but shrimp and veggies are best cooked fresh.
Can I skip the oyster sauce?
Sure! Replace it with extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
Try It & Thank Me Later!
And there you have it—Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp, made fresh in your own kitchen. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and totally customizable.
Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and let me know how it turns out! Just don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to weeknight meal.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz sugar snap peas
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste adjust based on spice preference
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the shrimp and sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until the onions become slightly translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables
- Add the sugar snap peas and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp-tender.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together water, cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and brown sugar until fully combined.
Combine the Ingredients
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring continuously as it thickens.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Stir everything together and allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the stir-fry from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
