Cantonese Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and crisp snow peas stir-fried with succulent shrimp in a fragrant garlic sauce, showcasing Cantonese freshness and balance. This chinese-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, snow peas, trimmed, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp minced ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 300 g peeled and deveined large shrimp to the wok and cook for 2 minutes until they turn pink and begin to curl.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 200 g trimmed snow peas, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp soy sauce, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and snow peas.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt to taste, a pinch of white pepper, and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil before serving immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cantonese Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cantonese Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cantonese Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cantonese Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cantonese Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce?

Chinese seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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