Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce
Quick and flavorful stir-fried shrimp tossed with aromatic garlic, fresh chili, and a savory soy sauce glaze. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, thinly sliced fresh red chili into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1, thinly sliced fresh red chili
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and start to curl.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil, tossing continuously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce?
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 Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce 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 Shrimp with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce?
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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