Garlic shrimp stir fry is a quick, delicious dish that combines shrimp with fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s packed with flavor and can be made in just a few minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp and the crunch of colorful veggies.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this easy garlic shrimp stir fry for several reasons. First, it is quick to cook and takes only about 15 minutes from prep to plate. Second, it’s a healthy dish loaded with nutritious vegetables. Lastly, it’s customizable; you can add or substitute any of your favorite veggies. Plus, shrimp is a great source of protein!
How to Make Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 sliced red bell pepper
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp starts turning pink.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over rice if desired.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
This dish is best served hot. You can serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside noodles to soak up all the tasty sauce. Add some extra sliced green onions on top for garnish.
How to Store Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
If you have leftovers, let the stir fry cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Tips to Make Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
- Make sure your shrimp is fully peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
- Cut all vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- For added flavor, you can include a touch of ginger along with garlic.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by using different proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu instead of shrimp. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or zucchini.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns from a grayish color to a pink and opaque appearance. Make sure not to overcook it, or it can become rubbery.
Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp Ensure shrimp is fully peeled and deveined
- ½ cup chicken broth Low sodium recommended
- ¼ cup soy sauce Or tamari for gluten-free
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For cooking
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 medium sliced red bell pepper
- ½ cup shredded carrots
Garnish
- to taste sliced green onions For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Cut all vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Cooking
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp starts turning pink.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serving
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over rice if desired.
