This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish that packs a punch! With juicy shrimp and fresh veggies, it’s full of bright flavors that make your taste buds dance.
I love how fast this meal comes together! Perfect for busy nights, just toss everything in a pan, and you’re ready to eat in no time. Plus, who can resist that garlic aroma? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp give a nice bite to the dish. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, frozen shrimp work just as well. Just thaw them before cooking!
Vegetable Oil: I usually use vegetable oil for a neutral flavor. Olive oil is a healthy choice too, but avoid using it at high temperatures for this recipe.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic paste can save the day. One teaspoon of garlic paste equals one clove.
Veggies: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms also work great. Just make sure they’re cut thin for even cooking.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Coconut aminos can be a nice gluten-free substitute that offers a hint of sweetness.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but it’s simple once you know! The key is to not overcook them, or they can become rubbery. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them!
- If they’re slightly translucent in the middle, remove them from the heat and let carry-over cooking finish the job.
This way, you’ll have perfectly tender shrimp in your dish every time!
Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe Quick & Flavorful
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
- Cooked rice or noodles, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes for cooking, so you’re looking at around 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Now, season them lightly with salt and pepper to bring out that lovely flavor.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it starts to smell amazing! Be careful not to burn it.
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
Next, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes, or until the veggies are crisp-tender. Keep stirring so everything cooks evenly!
5. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you are using it), sesame oil, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Mix everything together thoroughly so all those flavors blend nicely.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, now’s the time to add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Final Touch:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal that’s packed with flavor and done in a flash!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or quickly by submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before use to ensure they sear nicely!
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Stir Fry?
You can definitely customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand! Zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, or even baby corn all work great. Just remember to cut them into thin, even pieces for uniform cooking.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the flavors.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Additionally, ensure that any other sauces or ingredients you’re using are certified gluten-free.
