Indulge in Homemade Excellence: The Ultimate Applebee’s Copycat Shrimp Wonton Stir Fry Recipe

This delectable Shrimp Wonton Stir Fry is a highly sought-after Applebee’s copycat, bringing the vibrant flavors of the popular restaurant dish right to your kitchen. Imagine succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and crunchy wonton strips, all harmoniously coated in a signature sweet and spicy sauce. This recipe isn’t just about recreating a restaurant favorite; it’s about elevating your home cooking with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, surprisingly easy to prepare, and far healthier than its dine-out counterpart. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this stir fry promises a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Learn how to master this Applebee’s classic at home and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and smart.

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Your Stir Fry

• Canola oil – While canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, feel free to use other neutral cooking oils such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even light olive oil. These alternatives ensure the delicate flavors of the stir fry aren’t overshadowed.
• Shrimp – High-quality shrimp is key to this dish. Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience and best texture. If you’re not a fan of seafood or prefer a different protein, boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces, makes an excellent substitute. Remember to adjust cooking time; chicken will require an additional 5-7 minutes to cook through completely.
• Shredded carrot – Carrots add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color. If you want to explore other vegetables, consider julienned zucchini, crisp snap peas, tender baby corn, crunchy water chestnuts, or even thinly sliced bell peppers for diverse textures and flavors.
• Celery stalks – Celery contributes a unique crunch and savory note. You can substitute it with other crisp vegetables like bok choy stems, bamboo shoots, or even thinly sliced jicama for a similar textural experience.
• Mushrooms – Any variety of mushrooms will work, adding an earthy depth. Sliced cremini, shiitake, or even button mushrooms are great choices. For alternative veggies, consider sliced onions, green beans, or asparagus to vary the flavor profile.
• Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets add a hearty, nutritious element. Ensure they are chopped into small, uniform florets for even cooking. Cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach (added at the very end) can be used in its place for similar health benefits.
• Red pepper – Red bell pepper offers a sweet, vibrant counterpoint to the savory sauce. Feel free to use yellow or orange bell peppers for a similar sweetness, or green bell pepper for a slightly more bitter, earthy flavor. You could also try other colorful vegetables like snow peas or edamame.
• Green onions – These are primarily for garnish and a fresh, mild onion flavor. If unavailable, you can omit them entirely or substitute with a small amount of finely chopped chives for a subtle aromatic touch.
• Wonton strips – The signature crunch of this dish! Store-bought wonton strips are usually found in the international aisle or near the sushi section of most grocery stores. For a gluten-free option or if you prefer a homemade touch, simply slice gluten-free wonton wrappers into thin strips and fry them in a neutral oil until golden-brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• White rice – While white rice is traditionally served with stir-fries, feel free to choose a grain that suits your dietary preferences. Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while quinoa provides a protein-rich alternative. You could even opt for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• Butter – A small pat of butter can make your rice wonderfully moist and flavorful. This is entirely optional but highly recommended for a richer taste. Olive oil or your preferred dairy-free butter substitute can also be used.
• Salt – Always season to taste. Kosher salt or sea salt are ideal for enhancing the overall flavors of the stir-fry and rice, making sure every bite is perfectly balanced.

Sauce Essentials

• Hoisin sauce – This sweet and savory Chinese BBQ sauce is fundamental to the stir fry’s flavor profile. If hoisin isn’t available, a combination of bean paste and a touch of molasses or brown sugar, or even a garlic teriyaki sauce, can mimic its depth. Ensure your substitute has both sweet and umami notes for the best results.
• Sweet chili sauce – Adds a delightful balance of sweetness and mild heat, crucial for the “sweet and spicy” designation of this dish. You can easily create your own by mixing hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite brand) with honey or maple syrup to achieve the desired sweet-spicy balance tailored to your palate.
• Soy sauce – Provides the essential umami and saltiness that ties all the flavors together. For gluten-free alternatives, tamari is an excellent choice, offering a similar flavor profile without the gluten. Coconut aminos are another great soy-free option, though slightly sweeter, so you might adjust other sweet elements accordingly.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic delivers the best pungent aroma and flavor, enhancing the depth of the sauce. However, pre-minced garlic from a jar is a convenient substitute in a pinch, though you might need a touch more for the same intensity.
• Sriracha – For a kick of heat! Adjust the amount according to your spice preference – a little goes a long way. If Sriracha isn’t on hand, red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be used. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the Sriracha entirely.

How to Master This Applebee’s Copycat Shrimp Wonton Stir Fry

1. 1. Prepare the Aromatic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, freshly minced garlic, and sriracha until well combined. This flavorful concoction is the heart of your stir fry, so give it a good mix to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Set this vibrant sauce aside, ready to be poured into the pan when the time is right.
2. 2. Ingredient Prep is Key: Before you begin cooking, ensure all your vegetables (carrots, celery, mushrooms, broccoli, red pepper) are meticulously chopped and ready. Your shrimp should also be peeled and deveined. Stir-frying is a rapid cooking method, so having everything prepped and within arm’s reach (this is known as *mise en place*) will make the process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. While you prep your stir-fry components, cook your rice according to your preferred method (rice cooker or stovetop), allowing you to dedicate your attention entirely to the main dish without multitasking.
3. 3. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the shrimp to the hot pan, seasoning lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for only 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Shrimp cooks remarkably quickly, and your goal is for it to be *just* cooked through – its exterior should transform from a translucent gray to an opaque pink and white, and the tails will curl into a gentle ‘C’ shape. Remove the shrimp from the pan immediately and set aside to prevent overcooking, which can lead to a tough and rubbery texture.
4. 4. Sautéing Vibrant Vegetables: Without cleaning the pan (the residual flavors from the shrimp are a bonus!), add the shredded carrot, chopped celery stalks, sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli florets, and sliced red pepper. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking. You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp – they should still retain a slight bite and their vibrant colors, providing a delightful textural contrast in your finished stir fry.
5. 5. Combine and Coat with Flavor: Return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in your meticulously prepared sweet and spicy stir fry sauce over all the ingredients. Toss everything together vigorously, ensuring every piece of shrimp and vegetable is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and thicken slightly, clinging beautifully to the ingredients. Be careful not to overcook at this stage, as the shrimp only needs to warm through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
6. 6. Serve and Garnish for Perfection: Portion your fluffy white rice (or your chosen grain) onto individual serving plates or bowls. Spoon generous amounts of the hot shrimp and vegetable stir fry over the rice. Finish this delightful dish by garnishing with freshly sliced green onions for a bright pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor. Finally, add a generous sprinkle of crispy wonton strips for that irresistible crunch that truly elevates this Applebee’s copycat. Serve immediately and savor the explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!

Crafting the Perfect Rice for Your Stir Fry

The foundation of a great stir fry is perfectly cooked rice. While the recipe suggests classic white rice, you have flexible options to suit your taste, dietary preferences, and kitchen convenience, ensuring your meal is just right.

• Rice Cooker Method: This method is undeniably the easiest and most hands-off approach to cooking rice. Simply add your chosen rice and the appropriate amount of water (or vegetable broth for an added layer of flavor) to your rice cooker, then set it and forget it. The rice cooker maintains a consistent temperature and moisture level, ensuring perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every single time without the need for constant monitoring or stirring. This allows you to dedicate your attention entirely to preparing the stir fry, streamlining your cooking process and significantly reducing kitchen stress. It’s especially ideal for busy weeknights when efficiency is key.
• Stovetop Method: For those who prefer a more traditional approach or desire greater control over the texture of their rice, stovetop cooking is an excellent choice. Follow the specific instructions provided on your rice package, as different types of rice (e.g., basmati, jasmine, long-grain, short-grain) may require varying water ratios and precise cooking times to achieve ideal results. Once cooked, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, ensuring it’s light, airy, and not clumpy – just how you like it. Adding a small amount of butter, a dash of olive oil, or a knob of your favorite dairy-free butter substitute to the cooked rice can further enhance its moisture, flavor, and overall appeal, making it a delicious complement to your stir fry.

To significantly reduce the carbohydrate content of this dish without compromising on satisfaction, you could replace the white rice with nutritious cauliflower rice instead. You can easily purchase high-quality, pre-riced cauliflower from most grocery stores, saving you prep time. Alternatively, for a truly homemade touch, you can make your own cauliflower rice from scratch. If opting for homemade, follow a basic cauliflower rice recipe (such as my comprehensive guide on “How to Make Cauliflower Rice 5 Ways”), but crucially, omit any additional spice blends or seasonings. Keeping the cauliflower rice neutral in flavor allows the rich, sweet, and spicy stir fry sauce to truly shine as the star of your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Stir Fry