Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Fish Sauce
A quick stir-fry of succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic and a punch of savory fish sauce for an easy weeknight meal. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes blends pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, thinly sliced garlic cloves, fish sauce 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 210 calories and feeds 3, 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 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, sliced (optional) fresh Thai bird chilies
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- for serving fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 2 sliced Thai bird chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the shrimp start turning pink.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp fish sauce and sprinkle 1 tsp white sugar over the shrimp. Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully opaque and coated evenly in the savory sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped green onions, and toss to combine.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Fish Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 11 minutes (5 min prep + 6 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 Fish 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 Fish 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 Fish Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Fish Sauce?
Thai 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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