This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish packed with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a savory garlic sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, and you can serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes for a fast dinner!
- Packed with Flavor – Garlicky, savory, and slightly sweet stir-fry sauce.
- Healthy & Light – High in protein and loaded with fresh veggies.
- Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or make it low-carb.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup for busy nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shrimp Stir Fry:
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Olive oil (or sesame oil)
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Bell peppers (sliced)
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots (julienned)
- Snap peas or zucchini (optional)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Oyster sauce (adds depth)
- Honey or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Green onions (chopped)
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh lime wedges
Directions
Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- Mix Sauce Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook the Stir Fry:
- Sauté Garlic & Ginger – Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp – Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables – Add another tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
Combine Everything:
- Add the Shrimp Back – Return the shrimp to the pan.
- Pour in Sauce – Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Serve & Garnish – Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or lime juice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Keto Version – Skip the cornstarch and use a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry – Swap the sauce for teriyaki sauce.
- Pineapple Shrimp Stir Fry – Add diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Extra Crunch – Toss in cashews or peanuts for texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze stir-fry (without rice) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely before cooking.
What’s the best way to keep shrimp from getting rubbery?
Cook just until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Overcooking makes them tough.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce and veggies in advance, then cook fresh for the best texture.
What can I serve this with?
Great over steamed rice, noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Try mushrooms, bok choy, green beans, or snow peas.
Do I have to use oyster sauce?
No, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce if needed.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Increase the cornstarch slightly or simmer a little longer.
Can I make this with chicken instead?
Yes! Use thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
What oil is best for stir-frying?
Sesame oil adds great flavor, but olive oil or avocado oil also work well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together in just 20 minutes! With juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and a savory garlic sauce, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade stir fry!
PrintGarlic Shrimp Stir Fry
This Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a one-pan meal featuring juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a garlicky, slightly sweet soy sauce glaze. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as a low-carb meal on its own!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup snap peas (or green beans)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 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 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in the garlic sauce. Stir well to coat everything.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own!
Notes
- Want more spice? Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
- No oyster sauce? Just leave it out or use hoisin sauce instead.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.