This Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is quick, tasty, and packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp and colorful veggies come together in a sizzling blend of garlic and soy sauce. Yum!
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I love serving it over rice. Every bite is a garlic delight! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this stir fry. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Vegetable Oil: I prefer using vegetable oil for its high smoke point. Olive oil can also work, but don’t use extra virgin as it can burn easily at high temperatures.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder—about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
Bell Peppers: Instead of red and green, any color bell pepper works—yellow or orange will add a sweeter taste. If you need a veggie boost, include other favorites like broccoli or zucchini.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a depth of flavor, but if you’re vegetarian, use soy sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute.
How Do I Get My Shrimp Cooked Just Right?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky. Here’s how to get it right every time:
- Start with a hot pan to ensure a good sear on the shrimp.
- Cook shrimp only about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque, signaling they’re done.
- Overcooking shrimp makes them tough. As soon as they look perfectly cooked, take them out of the pan.
This method will keep your shrimp juicy and tender in the stir fry! Enjoy your flavorful meal. 🌟
Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 3 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 pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy garlic shrimp stir fry takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing and slicing all your vegetables. Mince the garlic and chop the green onions so everything is ready to go. Having your ingredients prepped makes cooking a breeze!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil nice and hot for stir-frying.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it—don’t let it brown too much as that can make it bitter!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the pan. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, toss in the sliced bell peppers, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender. You want them to have a bit of crunch!
6. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring back the shrimp! Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the vegetables. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to coat the shrimp and veggies with the sauce.
7. Final Cooking:
Let everything cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly together. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or soy sauce if needed.
8. Serve It Up:
Once off the heat, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. Serve your delicious garlic shrimp stir fry immediately over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ: Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with more soy sauce for a lighter flavor or try hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. Both will work well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This garlic shrimp stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh salad!
