Zesty Lemon Cilantro Shrimp or Chicken Stir-Fry
Experience a burst of fresh flavors with this vibrant Zesty Lemon Cilantro Stir-Fry, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. This recipe, inspired by Nita Mahta's Party Cooking, features succulent shrimp (or tender chicken) sautéed with fragrant garlic and bright lemon juice, all harmonized by a splash of soy and stir-fry sauce. Topped with fresh cilantro and served over a bed of crispy lettuce, this dish is not only delicious but also colorful and inviting. Whether you're a seafood lover or prefer chicken, this dish can be easily customized to suit your taste. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shrimp
1 lb (cleaned)
Fresh cilantro
1 cup (chopped)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Lettuce
1/2 cup (shredded (optional))
Garlic
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Stir-fry sauce
6 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
Soya sauce
1 tablespoon (regular or low-sodium)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed peppercorn
1/2 teaspoon
Oil
3 tablespoons (vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
1
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2
Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until it begins to turn golden and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3
Sprinkle in the salt, sugar, and chili flakes, stirring to combine.
4
Add the cleaned shrimp (or chicken) and pour in the lemon juice. Stir-fry vigorously for about 1 minute until the protein starts to cook.
5
Toss in the shredded lettuce (if using) and chopped cilantro, cooking for another minute until they begin to soften.
6
Drizzle the soy sauce and stir-fry sauce over the mixture, stirring continuously to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7
Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked through (or until chicken pieces are no longer pink in the center).
8
Serve immediately warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired, and enjoy the zesty flavors!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
4g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Cilantro Shrimp or Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant and fresh stir-fry dish inspired by Nita Mehta's Party Cooking, featuring shrimp or chicken, garlic, lemon juice, and cilantro.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish by using tender chicken pieces instead of cleaned shrimp.
How long does it take to prepare this stir-fry?
The dish is designed to be a quick meal that can be prepared in just under 30 minutes.
What are the primary flavor components of this dish?
The main flavors come from fresh lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and a generous amount of chopped cilantro, balanced with soy and stir-fry sauces.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with only 60 calories per serving and fresh ingredients like lemon and cilantro, it is tagged as a healthy meal option.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cleaned shrimp.
What type of oil is best for this stir-fry?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either vegetable oil or olive oil.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic.
What kind of sauces are used in the stir-fry?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of stir-fry sauce and 1 tablespoon of soya sauce.
Is lettuce included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of shredded lettuce is used, which can be tossed into the stir-fry to soften slightly.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
Each serving contains approximately 3g of fat and 4g of protein.
Are there any spices used for heat in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed peppercorn provide a gentle heat.
How much cilantro is needed for the dish?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
Do I need to add sugar to the stir-fry?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is included to balance the acidic lemon and salty soy flavors.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
The shrimp are ready when they turn opaque and are fully cooked through, usually after 2-3 minutes of stir-frying.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the pieces are no longer pink in the center.
What is the first step in cooking this stir-fry?
The first step is to heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Add the lemon juice immediately after adding the shrimp or chicken to the pan.
Is this dish part of a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized under Asian cuisine and is a classic stir-fry style dish.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for either regular or low-sodium soya sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What should the garlic look like when it is ready for the next step?
The garlic should be sautéed until it begins to turn golden and fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be shredded before being added to the pan.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
It should be served immediately while warm.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How do I garnish this stir-fry?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
What equipment is best for cooking this recipe?
A wok or a large frying pan is ideal for the medium-high heat required for stir-frying.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as 'easy cooking' and is perfect for a quick, simple meal.
Can I use homemade stir-fry sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 6 tablespoons of either store-bought or homemade stir-fry sauce.