Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and vibrant dish that showcases the irresistible combination of succulent shrimp and fragrant garlic, all tossed together with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. This dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful dish to impress guests. The beauty of this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry lies in its simplicity and the fresh ingredients that come together in a matter of minutes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry for its incredible flavor profile and the ease with which it comes together. The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a harmonious balance of savory and aromatic notes that perfectly complements the shrimp. Plus, this dish caters to a variety of dietary lifestyles, being high in protein and low in carbs, making it ideal for those following a keto or paleo diet. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This dish cooks quickly, and having everything at hand will ensure a smooth process.
- High Heat: Use a wok or a large skillet and cook over high heat. This will help achieve that beautiful char on the shrimp and veggies while preserving their crunch.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor. If you can, try to source shrimp that is peeled and deveined for ease.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat.
Make Ahead Tips
To make your Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry even easier, consider marinating the shrimp a day in advance. Simply combine the shrimp with garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also chop your vegetables ahead of time; they will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge when stored in a sealed container.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Substitutes: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables—bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli are excellent choices.
- Protein Swaps: If shrimp isn’t your thing, this recipe works beautifully with chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or a sweet and sour sauce to mix up the flavors.
How to Serve
Serve your Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. For a vibrant presentation, arrange your stir-fry on a large platter, showcasing the colorful vegetables and shrimp, and serve immediately.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and shrimp beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, a refreshing iced green tea pairs well. As for side dishes, consider serving with a light cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet can cleanse the palate after this savory meal.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then stir-fry in a hot pan for a few minutes until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet or wok is essential for stir-frying. If you don’t have one, a non-stick frying pan will work, but ensure it’s large enough to avoid overcrowding.
- Sharp knife and cutting board for prep work.
- Measuring spoons and cups for accurate ingredient measurements.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this dish vegan, substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you have nut allergies, ensure your sauces do not contain any nut-based ingredients.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring and summer, incorporate fresh asparagus or zucchini into your stir-fry for a seasonal twist. In the fall and winter months, consider adding hearty vegetables like bok choy or carrots to give your dish a warm, comforting feel.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking. This will help prevent excess moisture in your stir-fry.
- How long does it take to cook shrimp? Typically, shrimp cook in about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size.
- Can I use pre-minced garlic? While it’s convenient, fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor that really enhances the dish.
Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and vibrant dish that showcases the irresistible combination of succulent shrimp and fragrant garlic, all tossed together with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together over high heat for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or quinoa.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 244Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 239mgSodium 1734mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 29g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a delightful dish that is both simple and satisfying, perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. With its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own with your favorite veggies and seasonings. Happy cooking!
