Half-Hour Garlic and Herb Shrimp Stir Fry

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

A quick stir fry with succulent shrimp flavored with garlic and fresh herbs, tossed with crisp vegetables for a nutritious and fast meal. This asian fusion-inspired seafood (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme leaves 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: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas to the same skillet. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet and add 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together and cook for 1 more minute until sauce coats the shrimp and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh thyme if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Garlic and Herb Shrimp Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Half-Hour Garlic and Herb 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 Half-Hour Garlic and Herb 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 Half-Hour Garlic and Herb 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 Half-Hour Garlic and Herb Shrimp Stir Fry high protein?

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

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