Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that comes together quickly in one pan. Loaded with fresh vegetables and tender shrimp, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce, such as sambal oelek
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup snow peas
• 2 pounds large raw tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, ¼ cup of water, soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, chili sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper, asparagus pieces, and snow peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 to 4 minutes more.
4. Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the shrimp and vegetables, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Serve the stir fry over cooked rice and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the chili sauce or omit it altogether.
• Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Add other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli to increase variety and nutrition.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To keep the shrimp tender, avoid overheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

What can I serve with Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry?

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even noodles if you prefer.

Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory garlic and chili sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines the freshness of bell peppers, asparagus, and snow peas with a tangy soy-based glaze, served over fluffy rice and garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce, such as sambal oelek
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

Stir Fry

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup snow peas
• 2 pounds large raw tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined

To Serve

• Cooked rice
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, ¼ cup water, low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), light brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, chili sauce (such as sambal oelek), and cornstarch. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Cook the vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, trimmed and cut asparagus pieces, and snow peas. Stir occasionally and cook the vegetables until they begin to soften, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp: To the skillet with the vegetables, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Continue cooking while stirring occasionally until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes more.
4. Incorporate the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the shrimp and vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the shrimp and vegetables nicely, which should take around 5 minutes.
5. Finish and serve: Serve the garlic shrimp stir fry hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• You can adjust the chili sauce amount to control the heat level.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
• Serve immediately as the sauce can thicken further upon standing.
• Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or preferred.

Keywords: Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, shrimp stir fry, quick shrimp recipe, Asian shrimp dish, garlic shrimp, healthy stir fry, weeknight dinner