20-Minute Moo Shu Shrimp Stew Recipe

When weeknights get hectic, there’s nothing better than a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that the whole family will love. This 20-Minute Moo Shu Shrimp Stew recipe ticks all those boxes and more. Serve it with fluffy rice or wrap it in soft pancakes or tortillas for a satisfying dinner that rivals your favorite takeout. If you enjoy this seafood dish, you’ll want to check out my other quick shrimp recipes that can save your busy evenings.

Like many families, stir-fries and stews are staples in our weekly rotation. They’re versatile, quick, and packed with vegetables and protein – the perfect combination for a balanced meal.

What is Moo Shu Shrimp Stew?

Moo Shu Shrimp Stew is a delightful adaptation of the classic Northern Chinese dish, moo shu pork. The traditional version typically features thin strips of pork, scrambled eggs, and vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms, and scallions, all stir-fried and seasoned with a savory sauce.

My shrimp stew variation maintains the essence of this beloved dish while swapping pork for tender, succulent shrimp and adding a bit more liquid for a stew-like consistency. The result is a comforting yet equally satisfying meal that comes together even faster than the original.

Essential Moo Shu Shrimp recipe Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious stew:

Category	Ingredients	Quantity
Protein	Peeled and deveined shrimp	1 pound
Protein	Eggs	3
Vegetables	Shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix	2 cups
Vegetables	Sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)	1 cup
Vegetables	Julienned carrots	1/2 cup
Aromatics	Green onions, sliced diagonally	3
Aromatics	Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Aromatics	Fresh ginger, grated	1 tablespoon
Oil	Vegetable oil	3 tablespoons
Liquid	Chicken or seafood broth	1 cup

Why You’ll Love This Moo Shu Shrimp Stew

There are countless reasons to add this recipe to your regular rotation:

It’s a complete, flavor-packed meal in one pan
You’ll save money by making your takeout favorites at home
The simple preparation requires no special culinary skills
Versatile serving options let you customize to your family’s preferences
From start to finish, dinner is on the table in just 20 minutes
The ingredient list is streamlined to items you likely have on hand
It’s nutritionally balanced with protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates

Perfect Sauce for Moo Shu Shrimp Stew

The sauce is what gives this stew its distinctive flavor profile:

Sauce Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Soy sauce (low-sodium)	3 tablespoons	Adds savory depth
Hoisin sauce	1 tablespoon	Provides sweetness and complexity
Rice vinegar	1 tablespoon	Brings a tangy brightness
Sesame oil	1 teaspoon	Contributes nutty aroma
Cornstarch	1 teaspoon	Thickens the stew

How to Make Moo Shu Shrimp Stew

This dish comes together quickly, so having all ingredients prepped and ready to go is essential:

Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beaten eggs and cook until just set, about 1 minute, breaking into pieces. Remove to a plate.
Add 1 more tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the eggs.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the wok. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables have softened but still maintain some crispness.
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir into the simmering broth.
Return the shrimp and eggs to the wok, add the sauce, and gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and everything is well combined.
Stir in green onions just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moo Shu Shrimp Stew

What makes this a stew rather than traditional moo shu?

The addition of broth creates a silky, flavorful liquid that bathes all the ingredients, transforming the dry stir-fry into a comforting stew perfect for spooning over rice or soaking up with pancakes.

What’s in traditional moo shu sauce?

The classic sauce combines soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors.

How many calories are in moo shu shrimp stew?

One serving (approximately 1 cup of the stew) contains about 290-320 calories, making it a relatively light dinner option.

Storage Instructions

How to reheat

For best results, reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat just until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but may make the shrimp slightly rubbery. Always reheat pancakes separately, wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved for 10-15 seconds.

Can you freeze moo shu shrimp stew?

While possible, I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the vegetables will lose their crispness and the shrimp may become tough. If necessary, it will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Enjoy

The traditional way to enjoy moo shu stew is ladled into thin Chinese pancakes, with a smear of hoisin sauce and sprinkled with extra green onions. Simply spoon some of the mixture onto the pancake, add your extras, roll it up, and enjoy.

If you’re using tortillas, warm them slightly first for best results. For a fork-and-knife meal, serve the stew over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, allowing the grains to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Feeding the Whole Family with Moo Shu Shrimp Stew

This dish is surprisingly kid-friendly, but if you have picky eaters at home, try these tips:

Serve components separately for children who don’t like mixed foods
Offer a small portion alongside familiar favorites to encourage exploration
Let kids build their own wraps for a fun, interactive meal experience
Consider reducing the amount of ginger for more sensitive palates

The beauty of this 20-minute moo shu shrimp stew is its flexibility and simplicity. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this homemade version, you might find yourself reaching for the takeout menu a little less often!