Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili

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

Succulent shrimp quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic, fiery fresh chili, and crisp vegetables for a vibrant, spicy meal. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 250 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 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until shrimp start turning pink.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 medium julienned red bell pepper and 1 cup snap peas. Continue stir-frying for 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lime juice over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss quickly to coat and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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 Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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 Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili 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.

What goes well with Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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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