Quick Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger

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

A fast and flavorful stir-fry of shrimp infused with fresh garlic and ginger, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired seafood (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 11 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, fresh ginger, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a sear.
  4. Step 4: Flip the shrimp and stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger?

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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Quick Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger low carb?

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

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