Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

A Quick and Flavorful Seafood Delight

Garlic shrimp stir fry is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines succulent shrimp with crisp vegetables in a savory garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even an impressive dinner party. With a balance of protein, fiber, and rich umami flavors, it’s a healthy and satisfying option that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and nutrient-dense vegetables.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your preference.
• Delicious Sauce: A rich garlic sauce coats the shrimp and vegetables for an irresistible taste.

Ingredients

For the stir fry:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• ½ cup broccoli florets
• 3 green onions, chopped

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro or parsley
• Lemon or lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Stir well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add bell peppers, sugar snap peas, carrot, and broccoli. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce.
2. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
3. Stir in chopped green onions.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
2. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Different Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or beef.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• More Vegetables: Try mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy for variety.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Not recommended as shrimp can become rubbery.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking. Shrimp should turn pink and opaque in 2-3 minutes per side.

What can I serve with this stir fry?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

How can I make this dish less salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of oyster sauce. You can also add a splash of water or unsalted broth.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! Store cooked shrimp and vegetables separately from the sauce and combine when reheating for best texture.

What oil is best for stir frying?

Use oils with a high smoke point like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil.

Can I add nuts for crunch?

Absolutely! Toasted cashews or peanuts add great texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

How do I make this stir fry vegetarian?

Swap shrimp for tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.

Conclusion

Garlic shrimp stir fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and customizable ingredients, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stir fry will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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