How to Cook Shrimp With a Wok

The shape of a wok pan allows the food to cook quickly over high heat without burning. Shrimp cooks in only a few minutes in a hot wok. The wok is most often used to make stir-fry dishes, but you also can cook shrimp by itself or lightly flavored with your favorite sauce. No matter how you choose to serve the shrimp, using a wok allows you to enjoy a healthy meal even when you are limited on time.

Cook shrimp in a wok for a quick meal. Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Step 1

Peel and devein the shrimp if you didn't buy it that way. Cut along the shell and peel it off. Cut along the black vein that is visible on the curved edge and pull it out with the knife or your fingers.

Step 2

Heat your wok over high heat and add the oil. Swish the oil around inside the wok with a spatula to cover the surface.

Step 3

Place fresh or frozen vegetables in the heated wok if you are making a stir fry with the shrimp. Frozen vegetables do not need to be thawed before cooking. Cook the vegetables until they begin to get tender and heated through.

Step 4

Drop in the ginger and garlic. Cook for one minute, stirring the ingredients frequently. Substitute 1 tsp. each of ground ginger and garlic powder if desired.

Step 5

Add the shrimp to the wok, stirring it regularly for two to three minutes. When the shrimp turns pink, pour in your choice of stir-fry sauce, or a mixture of broth and soy sauce. Add salt and pepper or other preferred spices, such as red pepper flakes.

Step 6

Stir fry the shrimp another one to two minutes to cook it through. Remove the shrimp from the wok to the serving platter. Add any desired garnishes to the shrimp.

Things You'll Need

• 2 lbs. large shrimp
• Knife
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 2 cups fresh or frozen vegetables
• 2 tsp. finely chopped ginger
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• Sauce

www.livestrong.com