Irresistible Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

My culinary adventures with garlic shrimp stir fry always spark enthusiasm around my dinner table.

Quick cooking techniques make this dish a weeknight champion.

Crisp vegetables and succulent seafood dance together in a hot wok, creating magic.

Fragrant garlic infuses each tender shrimp with incredible depth and warmth.

Fresh ingredients guarantee an exceptional meal that comes together faster than you can imagine.

Vibrant colors and bold flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your skillet and let’s cook something spectacular that promises to impress.

Why Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Is Fast And Flavorful

• Whip Up a Quick Meal: This garlic shrimp stir fry delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Master Versatile Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches essential stir-frying skills like managing heat, layering flavors, and creating a perfect sauce, helping home cooks build confidence in the kitchen.
• Customize to Your Taste: With easy ingredient swaps like using different vegetables or adjusting spice levels, this dish becomes a flexible template for personalized meals that satisfy everyone's preferences.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Packed with lean protein from shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a balanced sauce, this recipe offers a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.

All The Ingredients For Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well; fresh or frozen shrimp work great; wild-caught recommended for best taste.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Umami-rich base that adds depth and saltiness; low-sodium options available for health-conscious cooks.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances savory flavors and helps sauce caramelize; local honey preferred.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds subtle tangy brightness; helps tenderize proteins and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Provides rich, nutty undertone; small amount goes a long way.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and spiciness; adjust quantity based on personal preference.

• Garlic, Ginger: Essential flavor boosters that provide robust, warming notes; fresh roots recommended over dried versions.
• Bell Pepper, Broccoli, Snap Peas: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, nutrition, and visual appeal; choose fresh, crisp produce.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds mild onion flavor and bright color.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create rich cooking base with complementary flavors; combination provides better searing and taste.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates glossy finish; helps sauce cling to ingredients.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish that adds nutty flavor and visual texture.

How To Make Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry With Ease

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes

Blend cornstarch with water and swirl into the sauce mixture. Let it sit and develop its delicious character.

Step 2: Sizzle the Seafood

Grab a large skillet or wok and heat up olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp, giving them a light sprinkle of salt. Cook those ocean gems for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous pink and become wonderfully opaque. Carefully transfer the shrimp to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Dance with Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Snap peas

Stir-fry these colorful friends for 3-4 minutes until they’re perfectly tender-crisp.

Step 4: Create Culinary Harmony

Reunite the shrimp with the vegetable party in the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring to ensure each morsel gets coated in flavor. Let everything simmer and mingle for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a slightly thickened glory.

Step 5: Bring it to the Table

• Chopped green onions
• Sprinkle of sesame seeds

Serve this spectacular creation over fluffy rice, tangled noodles, or enjoy it as a standalone masterpiece that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, add a dash of sriracha or chili oil if you’re feeling adventurous!

Smart Tips For Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

• Maximize Shrimp Flavor: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent unwanted steaming, which helps achieve a delicious golden-brown exterior.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly and add gradually to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp and vegetables.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent soggy stir-fry, ensuring vibrant colors and optimal texture.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari, use coconut aminos for a soy-free option, or replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
• Enhance Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and prepare sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline cooking and create a quick weeknight dinner solution.

How To Keep Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover shrimp stir fry in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the dish fresh by storing it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
• Freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, separating sauce and protein to maintain best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pro tip: Consume seafood-based dishes quickly for optimal taste and food safety.

Great Sides To Match Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

• Craft a Crisp Wine Companion: Select a vibrant sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the garlic shrimp's zesty flavor profile. These light, acidic white wines cut through the richness of the dish and enhance the seafood's delicate sweetness.
• Boost with Bright Beer Pairing: Choose a crisp wheat beer or light lager that refreshes the palate and balances the stir fry's spicy undertones. Belgian-style witbiers work perfectly with the garlic and shrimp combination.
• Match with Asian-Inspired Cocktail: Prepare a classic Asian-inspired cocktail like a lychee martini or ginger mojito. These drinks mirror the dish's Asian flavor elements while providing a smooth, cool counterpoint to the warm, spicy stir fry.
• Create a Mocktail Magic: Blend a ginger-lime sparkling water with fresh mint and a splash of pineapple juice. This non-alcoholic option delivers a bright, zingy taste that beautifully echoes the stir fry's vibrant seasoning.

Different Ways To Make Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Your Own

• Spicy Coconut Seafood Spin: Replace soy sauce with coconut milk and add red curry paste for a creamy, tropical flavor profile that transforms the classic stir fry into a vibrant Southeast Asian-inspired dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap oyster sauce for white wine, introduce fresh oregano and thyme, and use feta cheese as a final garnish to give the shrimp a Greek-style Mediterranean character.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Exchange rice or noodles with riced cauliflower, increasing vegetable content and creating a lighter, more diet-friendly version that maintains the original recipe's bold garlic and shrimp flavors.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Incorporate additional proteins like sliced chicken or tofu alongside shrimp, expanding the dish's nutritional value and creating a more substantial meal for hungry diners.

FAQ Section For Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

FAQs for Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry:

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• How spicy is this stir fry with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or skip them entirely for a milder version.

• What if I don't have oyster sauce?

You can substitute with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce. The oyster sauce adds depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm your oyster sauce is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling garlic shrimp stir fry delivers an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Succulent shrimp mingle with crisp vegetables and aromatic garlic, promising a quick, delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled & deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup snap peas (or green beans)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by blending soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl. Dissolve cornstarch with water and whisk into the liquid mixture, creating a smooth, glossy base.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet, allowing the fat to shimmer and dance. Introduce shrimp to the hot surface, seasoning with a delicate salt sprinkle. Sear each side until they transform into a rosy, translucent pink, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Carefully transfer cooked shrimp to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same pan to release aromatic garlic and ginger, stirring rapidly to prevent burning. Within moments, the kitchen will fill with an enticing fragrance. Toss in vibrant bell peppers, crisp broccoli florets, and tender snap peas, orchestrating a colorful vegetable symphony.
4. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked shrimp into the vegetable medley. Cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients, gently folding to ensure every morsel receives a luxurious coating. Allow the mixture to simmer, watching the sauce gradually thicken and cling to each component.
5. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions and a delicate shower of toasted sesame seeds. Present your culinary creation atop steamed rice, tangle of noodles, or enjoy as a standalone masterpiece bursting with flavor.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing spice-sensitive diners to enjoy the dish without overwhelming their palate.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content, making the recipe more heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
• Ensure shrimp are cooked precisely to prevent rubbery texture, watching for that perfect pink and opaque appearance which signals doneness.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, maintaining the rich flavor while accommodating different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg