Heart Healthy Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 1/19/2026
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic
Heart Healthy Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Our one-pot shrimp stir-fry recipe makes a well-balanced dinner possible in under 30 minutes. Sliced bell peppers and fresh snow peas boost the heart-healthy factor and add a tantalizingly crisp texture. By swapping out heavy, high sodium, and sugar-laden takeout sauces for a light blend of ginger, garlic, and sesame, you get all the savory Asian-inspired flavor in a healthy home-cooked meal.

Find more low-sodium shrimp recipe inspiration here.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
414

What Makes This Heart Healthy Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry Healthy

This recipe focuses on lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables to create a meal that supports cardiovascular wellness. By using heart-healthy olive oil and minimizing added salt, this dish provides a low-sodium alternative to traditional stir-fry.

Key Health Highlights

  • Lean Protein: Large shrimp provide a high-protein, low-calorie base that keeps you full without heavy saturated fats.
  • Antioxidant Rich: Red bell peppers and snow peas are packed with Vitamin C and fiber to support immune and digestive health.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Utilizing olive oil and sesame seeds provides monounsaturated fats and essential minerals like copper and manganese.
  • Low Sodium Prep: This version uses fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic to provide flavor, significantly reducing the need for salt.
  • Blood Sugar Friendly: Served with brown rice, this meal offers complex carbohydrates for a steadier energy release.

FAQs About Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry

While shrimp contains dietary cholesterol, it is very low in saturated fat, which researchers now suggest has a greater impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people.

Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients, and don't crowd the pan. Cooking in small batches or on high heat allows the moisture to evaporate quickly.

Yes! This recipe is already low-sodium by using fresh ginger, garlic, and limited salt. To keep sodium levels low, avoid adding standard soy sauce, or use a "low-sodium" certified tamari.

Absolutely. Just ensure the shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry with a paper towel before cooking to prevent excess water from "steaming" the dish.

Yes. With lean protein, high fiber from the vegetables, and the slow-burning complex carbs in brown rice, this is a balanced choice for blood sugar management.

More Quick Stir-Fry Recipes

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Ingredients

Recipe yields 4 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and red-pepper flakes and stir-fry for 10 seconds. Add the shrimp in one layer. Let cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and stir-fry for 1 minute.

  2. Step 2

    Add the snow peas, bell pepper, water chestnuts and sesame seeds and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the salt and sugar, sprinkling it evenly over the vegetables, and stir-fry until the shrimp are cooked through and bright pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve with brown rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup, 3/4 cup cooked brown rice

414
Calories
10
g
Fat
172
mg
Cholesterol
248
mg
Sodium
46
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
4
g
Fiber
28
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Sheet Pan Version: Toss all ingredients (except rice) in olive oil and seasonings, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until shrimp are pink.
  • Air Fryer: Air fry the shrimp and veggies at 380°F for 5–7 minutes, tossing halfway through for a quick, "fried" texture with minimal oil.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Best Served Fresh: Stir-fry is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
  • Reheating Tip: If reheating, do so briefly in a skillet over medium heat. Overheating in a microwave can cause the shrimp to become tough and rubbery.
  • The "C" Shape: Remember that shrimp are perfectly cooked when they reach a "C" shape; an "O" shape usually means they are overcooked.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Variations:

  • Sesame Noodle Bowl: Instead of rice, toss the finished stir-fry with whole-wheat or buckwheat soba noodles.
  • Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha for a heart-healthy heat.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted slivered almonds or crushed peanuts just before serving.
  • Salad Side: To add even more veggie crunch to your meal, serve up our Asian Cucumber Salad as an accompaniment to the stir-fry.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap brown rice for quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for an even lower-carb, diabetic-friendly option.

If snow peas aren't available, sugar snap peas or broccoli florets work beautifully for that signature crunch.

You can replace shrimp with thin strips of chicken breast or firm tofu, adjusting the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

If you don't have fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger can be used, though fresh provides a more vibrant "zing."

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