Craving the vibrant, bold flavors of Panda Express’s iconic Sizzling Shrimp but prefer the comfort and customization of a homemade meal? Look no further! This comprehensive copycat recipe brings that beloved takeout experience right into your kitchen, delivering succulent jumbo shrimp enveloped in a rich, savory, sweet, and tangy sauce, perfectly complemented by crisp-tender vegetables. Best of all, this incredible dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights without compromising on taste or quality.
Making your favorite restaurant dishes at home has never been more rewarding, especially with a recipe as fantastic as this one. Our homemade Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp isn’t just a delicious alternative to takeout; it’s often better! You’ll save money, control the quality of your ingredients, and have the freedom to customize every aspect to perfectly suit your family’s preferences. Want more heat? Add extra Gochujang. Prefer a sweeter profile? A touch more brown sugar will do the trick. Swap out the vegetables for whatever is fresh and seasonal, or adjust the spice level to create a truly personalized meal. Serve this delightful shrimp stir-fry with your preferred Asian sides for a complete and satisfying homemade feast that will undoubtedly impress even the pickiest eaters.
If you’re a fan of succulent shrimp in dynamic dishes, you might also enjoy exploring other exciting recipes like our Shrimp Rasta Pasta or the incredibly flavorful Cajun Shrimp Scampi with Pasta. Each offers a unique and delightful way to enjoy this versatile seafood!
Why You’ll Adore This Homemade Sizzling Shrimp Recipe
This copycat Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary triumph that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s why this recipe stands out and earns a permanent spot in our hearts (and stomachs):
- Unbeatably Fresh Flavors: Every bite bursts with the freshness of plump, succulent shrimp and crisp, vibrant vegetables. Unlike some takeout options that can feel heavy or pre-made, this dish uses ingredients at their peak, delivering a light and refreshing taste that truly elevates the experience. You’ll taste the difference that fresh, high-quality ingredients make.
- A Healthier Takeout Alternative: When you cook at home, you are the master of your ingredients. This recipe empowers you to know EXACTLY what goes into your meal, free from unwanted additives, preservatives, or excessive sodium often found in restaurant dishes. It’s a smart choice for those seeking a delicious yet balanced meal that aligns with a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing any of the indulgent flavors you crave.
- Perfect for the Whole Family: This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent option for feeding a hungry family, even on the busiest of weeknights. Its preparation is both quick and straightforward, culminating in a well-balanced meal that appeals to both children and adults. The ability to customize the spice level and vegetable choices ensures everyone at the table finds something to love, making dinner time enjoyable for all.
- Speedy Preparation for Busy Lives: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. This Sizzling Shrimp recipe is designed with efficiency in mind, coming together in under 30 minutes from start to finish. This means you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen, allowing more time for family, relaxation, or tackling other tasks.
- Incredibly Versatile: Don’t have baby broccoli? Use regular broccoli florets, snap peas, or asparagus. Not a fan of red bell pepper? Yellow or orange bell peppers work beautifully. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, encouraging you to use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand or prefer. You can even experiment with different protein sources if you wish!
Essential Ingredients for Sizzling Shrimp
The magic of this Sizzling Shrimp recipe lies in its carefully selected components, each contributing to the dish’s irresistible aroma, texture, and complex flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- The Star: Succulent Jumbo Shrimp: We recommend using tender jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture and visual appeal. Before cooking, they are seasoned generously with a blend of salt, aromatic garlic powder, a hint of ground black pepper, and vibrant paprika. This initial seasoning builds a foundational layer of flavor. A light coating of cornstarch then ensures a delightfully crispy exterior when pan-fried, locking in the shrimp’s natural juiciness.
- Vegetarian Option: For a delicious plant-based alternative, swap the shrimp for firm tofu cubes, pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces, then tossed in cornstarch before frying.
- Colorful and Crisp Vegetables: A vibrant medley of fresh vegetables adds both nutrition and textural contrast to the dish. Our recipe calls for thinly sliced yellow onion, bringing a sweet and pungent note, cubed red bell pepper for its sweet crunch and beautiful color, and fresh baby broccoli, which offers a slight bitterness and satisfying bite. These are sautéed to tender perfection, maintaining a pleasant crispness.
- Flexibility is Key: Feel empowered to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Other excellent choices include snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, green beans, or even asparagus.
- The Heart of the Dish: The Mouthwatering Sauce: This extraordinary sauce is where all the flavors harmoniously converge.
- Low-sodium soy sauce forms the savory, umami-rich foundation, providing depth without excessive saltiness.
- A generous kick comes from Gochujang sauce, a fermented Korean chili paste that delivers a unique spicy, sweet, and savory complexity.
- The heat is beautifully balanced by the natural sweetness of brown sugar, creating that irresistible sweet-spicy interplay.
- Finely grated fresh garlic and ginger are crucial, infusing the sauce with their aromatic warmth and a refreshing, zesty complexity that brightens the entire dish.
- For an extra layer of tantalizing heat, crushed red pepper flakes are added, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Finally, a drizzle of nutty sesame oil ties all the elements together, adding an unparalleled depth of flavor and a fragrant aroma that completes this cohesive and utterly irresistible sauce.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp
Creating this restaurant-quality dish at home is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps for a perfect Sizzling Shrimp every time:
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Begin by ensuring your jumbo shrimp are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, which is key for achieving that desirable crispy texture during cooking. In a medium-sized bowl, season the dry shrimp generously with salt, garlic powder, ground pepper, and paprika. Toss the shrimp well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices. Next, sprinkle ¼ cup of cornstarch over the seasoned shrimp and toss again until they are thoroughly covered. The cornstarch creates a light breading that will crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Perfectly Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the shrimp from crisping properly; cook in batches if necessary. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque, pink, and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once cooked through, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and set aside. They will be added back to the skillet later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vibrant Vegetables
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, those bits of flavor add to the dish!), add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the sliced yellow onions, cubed red bell peppers, and fresh baby broccoli. Sauté the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender-crisp. You want them cooked through but still retaining a slight bite and their vibrant color, adding a delightful crunch to the final dish.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, Gochujang sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, finely grated garlic, finely grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is well incorporated. This ensures a uniform flavor distribution in the final dish.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp, Vegetables, and Sauce
Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, return the previously cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the shrimp and vegetables. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss everything together until all the shrimp and vegetables are thoroughly and evenly coated with the rich, aromatic sauce. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Thicken the Sauce
Continue to cook the shrimp and vegetables in the sauce for a few more minutes over medium heat. Stir continuously to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. The goal is for the shrimp to be warmed through, and for the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, clinging beautifully to all the ingredients. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for an additional minute or two, or use a cornstarch slurry (see expert tips).
Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
Your homemade Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp is now ready! Serve this vibrant and enticing dish immediately over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or your preferred base. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. Allow the bold colors and enticing aromas to delight your senses as you savor every bite.
Expert Tips for the Best Sizzling Shrimp
To ensure your homemade Sizzling Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Master the Art of Mise en Place: Before you even turn on the stove, practice “mise en place” – have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes peeling and deveining the shrimp, slicing and cubing your vegetables, grating the garlic and ginger, and measuring out all the sauce ingredients. Stir-fries cook quickly, so having everything at your fingertips prevents frantic scrambling and ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Ensure Even Shrimp Coating: When seasoning the shrimp and coating them in cornstarch, take your time to ensure each individual shrimp is evenly covered. This meticulous step guarantees uniform cooking, a consistent crispy texture, and maximum flavor adhesion, resulting in perfectly prepared shrimp in every bite.
- Achieve Tender-Crisp Vegetables: The key to great stir-fried vegetables is not to overcook them. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and baby broccoli until they are tender but still retain a slight crispness. This preserves their vibrant color, inherent freshness, and satisfying texture, adding a crucial element to the overall dish.
- Thicken the Sauce to Your Liking: The sauce should ideally coat the shrimp and vegetables without being watery. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer for a few extra minutes in the skillet to reduce naturally. For a quicker thickening method, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for an additional minute until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve It Hot and Fresh: Sizzling shrimp, as the name suggests, is truly best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet. The textures are at their prime, the flavors are most vibrant, and the sauce is perfectly clinging to all the ingredients. Don’t let it sit too long; serve it immediately over your chosen base to experience all the deliciousness at its peak!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the shrimp, resist the urge to throw all of them into the skillet at once. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the shrimp to steam rather than sear, resulting in a rubbery texture instead of a crispy one. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each shrimp has enough space to brown properly.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: The Gochujang and crushed red pepper flakes provide a wonderful heat. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Gochujang and omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch more of both!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Sizzling Shrimp
While this Sizzling Shrimp recipe is robust enough to be a standalone meal, featuring both protein and vegetables, it truly shines when paired with your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your homemade feast:
- Steamed White or Brown Rice: A classic pairing that beautifully soaks up the savory sauce.
- Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Crispy and delicious, these add a delightful crunch.
- Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice: A hearty and flavorful side that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in a light sauce provide a wonderful textural contrast.
- Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll: For a more adventurous and fresh side, offering a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kani Sushi Salad: A refreshing and slightly spicy salad that cleanses the palate.
- Simple Steamed Greens: Think bok choy or spinach lightly seasoned with soy sauce and garlic.
Storing and Reheating Your Sizzling Shrimp
Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy this delicious dish for days to come:
- Storing: Leftover Sizzling Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation and maintain freshness.
- Reheating: You have several convenient options for reheating this dish, each maintaining different aspects of its original texture:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Skillet: The best method for preserving texture. Reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has become too thick.
- Oven: For larger quantities or a more gentle reheat, place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: While this dish is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh and sizzling from the skillet, it can be frozen. Allow the Sizzling Shrimp to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Store flat in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the shrimp and vegetables may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sizzling Shrimp
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe. The most important step is to ensure they are completely thawed before you begin. Once thawed, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps them crisp up beautifully when cooked and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
Yes, making this Sizzling Shrimp recipe gluten-free is simple. The primary ingredient to watch out for is soy sauce. Replace regular soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Additionally, always double-check the labels of other ingredients like Gochujang sauce and cornstarch to ensure they are also gluten-free, as formulations can vary by brand.
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, there are a couple of excellent substitutes you can use. Potato starch or arrowroot powder are both great alternatives for achieving a similar thickening effect in the sauce and a crispy coating on the shrimp. Use them in equal amounts as you would cornstarch.
Yes, absolutely! Preparing the sauce in advance is a fantastic time-saving tip. Simply whisk all the sauce ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes weeknight cooking even faster!
For stir-frying, it’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point. Good options include vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand the high heat necessary for properly searing the shrimp and sautéing the vegetables without burning.
Discover More Delectable Shrimp Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the bold flavors of this Sizzling Shrimp, you’re in for a treat! Shrimp’s versatility makes it a fantastic ingredient for a wide array of dishes. Explore these other fantastic shrimp recipes:
- Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry: A hearty combination of two popular proteins in a flavorful stir-fry.
- Crispy Honey Shrimp: Sweet and savory with a delightful crunch, perfect for a lighter take.
- Shrimp Spaghetti: A comforting and elegant pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp.
- Easy Sweet Chili Shrimp: Quick to make with a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce.
- Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp: A classic, savory, and aromatic dish with a crispy texture.
Panda Express’s Sizzling Shrimp stands out as a beloved menu item, cherished for its explosion of bold flavors and its visually appealing presentation. Traditionally served as a main course, it finds its perfect complement in steamed rice or a medley of fresh vegetables. However, its remarkable versatility also makes it an excellent, flavorful addition to a combination plate or as a central component of a larger, multi-dish meal. This adaptability, combined with its intensely satisfying taste, firmly establishes Sizzling Shrimp as a perennial favorite among Panda Express patrons seeking a truly delicious and fulfilling dining experience.
We hope this detailed guide empowers you to recreate the magic of Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp right in your own kitchen. If you give this recipe a try, or any of our other culinary creations, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment in the section below. Your feedback means the world to us! And for all our latest social posts and exciting new recipes, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe Card
Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp
By: Mariam Ezzeddine
Shrimp and vegetables simmer together in an authentic sauce, their flavors blending together, resulting in a dish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each bite is a burst of bold flavors and contrasting textures, leaving your taste buds wanting more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 Servings
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 thoroughly and season them evenly with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned shrimp and toss until each piece is well-coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions, cubed bell peppers, and baby broccoli. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Gochujang sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, finely grated garlic, finely grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Whisk well.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over them and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for a few more minutes, stirring, until the shrimp are warmed through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve the sizzling shrimp immediately over rice or your preferred base to enjoy.
Notes
- Prep Ingredients Before Cooking: Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and measured before you start cooking, as stir-fries cook very quickly.
- Sauté Vegetables Until Tender-Crisp: Aim to cook vegetables until they are tender but still have a slight bite and vibrant color for the best texture.
- Thicken Sauce as Desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and add it to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 364 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 286mg
- Sodium: 2468mg
- Potassium: 627mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 1905 IU
- Vitamin C: 81mg
- Calcium: 168mg
- Iron: 2mg