Quick Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

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

A speedy stir fry featuring succulent shrimp cooked in half the usual soy sauce and garlic for a lighter, yet flavorful dish. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start turning pink.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 2 sliced scallions. Stir-fry for 2 more minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Stir well and cook for another minute until everything is heated through and coated with sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Quick Garlic 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 Quick Garlic 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 Quick Garlic Shrimp 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 Quick Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry?

Asian 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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