Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, satisfying dish that is as quick to whip up as it is flavorful, then you are going to love this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe. Packed with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a bold garlicky sauce that clings perfectly to every bite, this stir fry strikes the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and just a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish brings a colorful plate to the table with textures and flavors that delight the senses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with variety and nutrition. Each component plays its part in building layers of taste, whether it’s the bright crunch of snow peas or the warming depth of toasted sesame oil.

• Garlic cloves, minced: The aromatic backbone providing that unmistakable garlicky punch.
• Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Adds a salty, umami richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Light brown sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a mellow sweetness.
• Toasted sesame oil: Offers a nutty, fragrant depth that elevates the stir fry’s flavor profile.
• Chili sauce (such as sambal oelek): For a lively kick of heat that enlivens every bite.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, making it cling beautifully to shrimp and vegetables.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral base for stir frying that ensures even cooking.
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Contributes a crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds a fresh, green crunch and subtle earthiness.
• Snow peas: Their sweet snap provides a nice contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Large raw tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
• Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up the saucy goodness.
• Chopped fresh cilantro: A bright, herbal flourish that finishes the dish delightfully.
• Sesame seeds: Add a subtle crunch and nutty accent on top.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Sauce

Start by combining minced garlic with water, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, chili sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk this mixture thoroughly until smooth and well blended. This simple sauce packs all the essential flavors—savory, sweet, nutty, and spicy—that bring the entire dish together. Preparing the sauce first means it’s ready to go as soon as your stir fry is cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in the red bell pepper slices, asparagus pieces, and snow peas. Stir occasionally as they cook for about 3 to 4 minutes just until they begin to soften but still hold their crispness. This quick cooking keeps the vegetables vibrant in color and texture, making the dish more appealing and fresh-tasting.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Continue stirring occasionally as you cook the shrimp for another 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks fast, so keeping an eye on them prevents overcooking and ensures they remain tender and juicy.

Step 4: Pour and Thicken the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently but consistently as the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This creates a glossy coating that perfectly clings to every piece of shrimp and vegetable, enhancing the dish with bold, well-rounded flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is thick and the ingredients are beautifully glazed, your Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is ready to serve. Plate it generously over cooked rice and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s colorful, flavorful, and packed with texture.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches elevate this stir fry from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of herbal brightness. Toasted sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and a nutty aroma that complements the sesame oil in the sauce, creating harmony from first bite to last.

Side Dishes

While this dish is satisfying on its own, pairing it with simple sides can round out the meal. Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every bit of sauce, or try a light Asian slaw for additional freshness and crisp texture contrast. A bowl of miso soup also pairs wonderfully for a comforting, well-balanced dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, you can present the Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe in a more elevated style. Serve it in shallow bowls garnished with extra cilantro sprigs and a wedge of lime for guests to squeeze if they crave some extra tang. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter with colorful vegetable garnishes surrounding the shrimp to showcase all the vibrant ingredients at once.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because shrimp can become rubbery if stored too long, it’s best to enjoy the dish within this timeframe to maintain its tender texture and fresh flavors.

Freezing

While you can freeze the stir fry, it’s generally not recommended as the shrimp and vegetables may lose their ideal texture. However, if you choose to freeze it, separate the stir fry from the rice and use a freezer-safe container. Thaw slowly overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve taste and texture as much as possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for prolonged times, which can toughen the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and bring back some moisture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the stir fry’s texture and sauce consistency.

Is there a substitute for sambal oelek chili sauce?

If you don’t have sambal oelek on hand, you can substitute with other chili sauces like sriracha or red pepper flakes, adjusting the quantity to match your preferred spice level.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your chili sauce and other brands are gluten-free. This keeps the dish safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive diners.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch work well as thickening agents, providing a similar glossy finish to the sauce.

Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or broccoli florets to customize the dish to your liking while keeping the cooking times in mind for even doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is one of those meals that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again because it’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re after a wholesome weeknight dinner or a beautiful dish to impress friends, the harmonious mix of garlicky shrimp, crisp vegetables, and luscious sauce delivers every time. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite go-to recipe!

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