Quick Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Scallions

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

A fast and flavorful stir fry featuring succulent shrimp cooked with garlic, scallions, and a savory soy-ginger sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes pairs large shrimp, garlic cloves, scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the wok in a single layer and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the edges start to turn pink.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss the shrimp continuously for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 sliced scallions cut into 2-inch pieces and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until the scallions are slightly softened but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over, perfect atop steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Scallions?

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 Scallions?

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 Scallions 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.

What goes well with Quick Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Scallions?

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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