The sound of shrimp hitting a hot skillet always grabs my attention first. Then comes the aroma of garlic, ginger, and sauce bubbling around fresh vegetables. That moment inspired me to build a homemade version that feels just as satisfying as takeout.
This Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe focuses on simple cooking techniques that bring out freshness, texture, and balanced flavor, giving you a fast meal that feels lively straight from your own stove.
Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe Home Style
A quick and flavorful Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe packed with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce cooked in one hot skillet.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
- Course: Main Course
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories Per Serving: ~280 kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (neutral cooking oil)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1½ cups baby broccoli
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Gochujang: Adds gentle heat and depth to the flavor.
- Baby broccoli: Gives texture close to the Panda Express restaurant version.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep The Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry using paper towels. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
This light coating helps the shrimp sear quickly and gives that signature sizzling texture.
Step 2: Mix The Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, Gochujang, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat The Skillet
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Cook The Shrimp
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
Remove shrimp and set aside. Avoid crowding the pan so they sear instead of steam.
Step 5: Cook The Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and baby broccoli. Stir for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss quickly. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Turn off heat and transfer immediately to a serving plate. That’s when the sizzling shrimp flavor shines the most.
If you enjoy cooking recipes with shrimp like this one, you may also love my Applebee’s Sriracha Shrimp Recipe for a spicy restaurant-style appetizer, or try the crispy Southern classic O’Steen’s Fried Shrimp Recipe when you’re in the mood for golden fried shrimp at home.
What To Serve With Sizzling Shrimp
I love serving this shrimp recipe straight from the skillet over warm jasmine rice. You can try:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Fried rice
- Garlic noodles
- Lettuce wraps for a lighter meal
- Cucumber salad for freshness
A squeeze of lime and chopped green onions add a nice finishing touch.
What Makes Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Special
The magic comes from contrast — tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a slightly spicy savory sauce cooked at high heat.
The Panda Express restaurant version balances sweetness, saltiness, and heat in a way that keeps every bite interesting. Fresh ingredients at home make the flavor even brighter.
Is Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Spicy?
The heat level sits at medium. Gochujang and red pepper flakes add warmth without overpowering the dish. You can lower the spice by reducing pepper flakes or increase it with chili oil.
What Makes It Sizzling?
A very hot skillet creates quick caramelization on shrimp and vegetables. That rapid cooking locks in freshness and produces the sizzling effect you hear and smell right away.
Why Is My Shrimp Not Sizzling?
Common causes include:
- Pan not hot enough
- Too much shrimp added at once
- Wet shrimp releasing water
- Low heat during cooking
Let the pan heat fully before adding ingredients.
How Long To Cook Shrimp So It’s Not Rubbery?
Shrimp need only 2–3 minutes total cooking time. Once they turn pink and slightly curled, they’re done. Leaving them longer dries them out quickly.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
Can I Make This Shrimp Recipe Ahead Of Time?
You can prep ingredients and sauce earlier. Cook right before serving for the best taste.
What Oil Works Best?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil handle high heat well.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet.
Cooking this Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe at home completely changed how I approach takeout-style dinners. Fresh shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a quick skillet cooking method make dinner feel exciting without adding extra work.
If you enjoy quick shrimp meals, you might like this sweet and savory Honey Garlic Shrimp as another easy option to add to your weekly menu.
Try this recipe in your kitchen, adjust the spice level to match your taste, and see how simple homemade sizzling shrimp can be.
I’d truly love to hear how it turns out for you — leave a comment, share your results, or tell me what you served alongside your sizzling shrimp!
Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp Recipe (Easy Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil neutral cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1½ cups baby broccoli
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep The Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry using paper towels. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- This light coating helps the shrimp sear quickly and gives that signature sizzling texture.
Step 2: Mix The Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, Gochujang, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat The Skillet
- Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Cook The Shrimp
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove shrimp and set aside. Avoid crowding the pan so they sear instead of steam.
Step 5: Cook The Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and baby broccoli. Stir for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Add Aromatics
- Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 7: Combine Everything
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss quickly. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 8: Serve Hot
- Turn off heat and transfer immediately to a serving plate. That’s when the sizzling shrimp flavor shines the most.
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