Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Sesame and Scallions
Quick stir-fried shrimp infused with garlic and toasted sesame, brightened with fresh scallions for an Asian-inspired dinner. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs (peeled and deveined) large shrimp, sesame oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (peeled and deveined) large shrimp
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 sliced thinly scallions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook for 1-2 more minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using, tossing to coat shrimp evenly. Cook for an additional 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in 3 sliced thin scallions and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Sesame and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Sesame and Scallions?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Sesame 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Sesame and Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Sesame 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.
