Stir-Fried Seafood with Garlic and Black Pepper

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

A vibrant medley of shrimp, squid, fish balls, and crab imitation, stir-fried with fragrant garlic and freshly cracked black pepper for a savory seafood delight. This vietnamese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces, peeled and deveined shrimp, ounces squid rings, halved fish balls for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 finely minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 ounces shrimp, 6 ounces squid rings, 6 halved fish balls, and 4 pieces of 2-inch imitation crab sticks. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and seafood is just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Season with 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons water and toss to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 sliced scallions, cooking for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Seafood with Garlic and Black Pepper take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Seafood with Garlic and Black Pepper?

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 ounces squid rings from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Seafood with Garlic and Black Pepper?

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 Seafood with Garlic and Black Pepper 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 Seafood with Garlic and Black Pepper?

Vietnamese 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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