Lemongrass Shrimp and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry

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

Quick-cooked shrimp and bean sprouts in a fragrant lemongrass and garlic sauce, served over steamed rice. This vietnamese ready in about 20 minutes pairs Shrimp, Lemongrass, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 minced lemongrass stalks, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz shrimp and 4 oz bean sprouts, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 sliced bell pepper and the sauce mixture, cooking for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Serve over 2 cups cooked rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemongrass Shrimp and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Lemongrass Shrimp and Bean Sprout 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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemongrass Shrimp and Bean Sprout 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 Lemongrass Shrimp and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemongrass Shrimp and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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