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This copycat Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is bursting with bold flavors of succulent jumbo shrimp in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe combines the freshness of crisp vegetables with the punch of Asian sauces, creating a sweet, spicy, and tangy taste all in one bite that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Making restaurant-quality food at home on a busy weeknight has never been easier with this recipe! This homemade version of Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is even better than takeout because it will save you money and can be customized to your family’s liking. Adjust the spice level, swap the veggies, or make it a little sweeter. Serve this shrimp stirfry with your favorite Asian sides for a homemade meal that will rival any restaurant menu.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s fresh. Succulent shrimp and fresh veggies are light and refreshing.
- It’s healthy. You can be confident in knowing EXACTLY what is going into your dish. No additives or preservatives will be sneaking in on you with this restaurant rendition of your favorite meal.
- It’s family-friendly. This recipe is perfect to feed a hungry family on a busy weeknight. It is quick and easy to prepare and a well-balanced meal for both kids and adults.
Sizzling Shrimp Ingredients
- Shrimp: Tender jumbo shrimp, seasoned with a blend of salt, garlic powder, ground pepper, and paprika, then coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture. Vegetarian? Swap out the shrimp for tofu cubes.
- Vegetables: A colorful medley of vegetables including yellow onion, red bell pepper, and fresh baby broccoli, sautéed to tender perfection, adds a vibrant crunch to the dish. Feel free to use the seasonal vegetables that you have on hand.
- Sauce: The mouthwatering sauce is crafted from a blend of flavors. Low-sodium soy sauce forms the savory foundation, complemented by the spicy kick of Gochujang sauce all balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar. Add finely grated garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth and complexity, while crushed red pepper flakes contribute a tantalizing heat, adding a fiery touch to each bite. A drizzle of sesame oil brings a nutty aroma and depth of flavor, tying together all the elements into a cohesive, irresistible sauce.
How To Make Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika. Toss the shrimp to ensure even coating. Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned shrimp and toss until they are well-coated.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions, cubed bell peppers, and baby broccoli to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Gochujang sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, finely grated garlic and ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables in the skillet. Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Finish Cooking. Cook the shrimp and vegetables in the sauce for a few more minutes until the shrimp are warmed through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 7: Serve. Serve the sizzling shrimp over rice or your preferred base, allowing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas to delight your senses.
Expert Tips
- Prep Ingredients Before Cooking: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This includes peeling and deveining the shrimp, slicing the vegetables, and measuring out the sauce ingredients.
- Coat Shrimp Evenly: When seasoning the shrimp and coating them in cornstarch, make sure each shrimp is evenly coated. This will ensure even cooking and a uniform texture.
- Sauté Vegetables Until Tender-Crisp: When sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and baby broccoli, aim to cook them until they are tender but still slightly crisp. This will preserve their texture and vibrant color, adding freshness to the dish.
- Thicken Sauce as Desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and add it to the sauce to thicken it quickly.
- Serve Immediately: Sizzling shrimp is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet. Serve it immediately over rice or your preferred base to enjoy all the flavors and textures at their best!
What to Serve with Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp
While one perk of this recipe is that it can be a stand alone meal with meat and veggies, it does pair perfectly with your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes. Serve with Air Fryer Spring Rolls, Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice, Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles, Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll, or Spicy Kani Sushi Salad.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: This dish can be stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: You have a few options for reheating this dish. Microwave in 30 second intervals, Reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing: While this dish is best consumed sizzling from the skillet, it can be stored in the freezer. Allow the shrimp to completely cool before transferring to a freezer safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure as much air as possible is removed from the bag, and store flat in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure that the other ingredients you use, such as cornstarch and sauces, are also gluten-free.
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or arrowroot powder as a substitute for thickening the sauce.
More Shrimp Recipes
- Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry
- Crispy Honey Shrimp
- Shrimp Spaghetti
- Easy Sweet Chili Shrimp
- Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Panda Express’s Sizzling Shrimp is a popular menu item known for its bold flavors and vibrant presentation. It is typically served as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or vegetables, though it can also be enjoyed as a flavorful addition to a combination plate or as part of a larger meal. Its versatility and bold flavors make it a favorite among Panda Express customers looking for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
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Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cubed
- 2 cups fresh baby broccoli
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic, finely grated
- ½ tablespoon ginger, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Pat dry the shrimp and season them with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the shrimp and coat them well.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to a plate once done.
- To the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and add the veggies to sauté: onions, bell peppers, and baby broccoli. Cook the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sauces: soy sauce, Gochujang sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and sesame oil.
- Add the shrimp back to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over them. Toss to coat. Cook until the shrimp are warmed through.
- Serve the shrimp over rice to enjoy.
Notes
- Prep Ingredients Before Cooking: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. T
- Sauté Vegetables Until Tender-Crisp: When sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and baby broccoli, aim to cook them until they are tender but still slightly crisp. This will preserve their texture and vibrant color, adding freshness to the dish.
- Thicken Sauce as Desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and add it to the sauce to thicken it quickly.
