This quick garlic shrimp stir fry is a tasty treat that brings together juicy shrimp and fresh veggies in a flavorful garlic sauce. It comes together in no time!
You can’t go wrong with shrimp when it cooks so fast and tastes so good. I love tossing in whatever veggies I have—I feel like a chef every time! 😄
It’s super simple to make, and the best part? You get a yummy meal ready in about 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a juicy bite. If you’re looking for a substitute, scallops or firm tofu could work well for a seafood-free dish!
Oil: I usually go for vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but olive oil adds a nice flavor. For a unique twist, try sesame oil as your cooking oil, but reduce heat to avoid burning it.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that vibrant flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can work—just use 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Vegetables: This recipe is very flexible! You can swap out the broccoli and bell pepper for any favorite veggies like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure they cook well together!
Oyster Sauce: If you want to skip oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or even more soy sauce can be a good substitute. Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
How Do You Get perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right! The key is to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. If they’re overcooked, they get rubbery!
- Start with a hot pan. This helps cook the shrimp quickly and evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the shrimp enough room to cook without steaming.
- Cook for just 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on their size.
- As soon as they’re pink and firm, take them out of the pan! They’ll continue cooking a little from the residual heat.
With these tips, you’ll have tender and delicious shrimp in your stir fry every time!
Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious garlic shrimp stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making the total about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all the vegetables and shrimp. This helps make the cooking process quick and easy. Peel and devein the shrimp, chop the vegetables, and have everything ready to go!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking—this is the perfect temperature for stir-frying!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
6. Bring It All Together:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. This is where the magic happens! Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until it’s well combined and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste! You can add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed to suit your flavor preferences. Don’t be shy—seasoning is key!
8. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles, and enjoy your delightful meal!
FAQs for Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the stir fry.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms work great! Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure that all your ingredients are gluten-free.
