Four-Ingredient Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry

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

A quick stir fry with succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a fiery chili-garlic sauce for a weeknight dinner. This asian fusion-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the wok and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the wok, pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Ingredient Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Four-Ingredient Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Ingredient Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry?

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 Four-Ingredient Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry 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.

Is Four-Ingredient Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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