Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger in Soy-Sesame Sauce

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

Quick stir-fried shrimp infused with fragrant garlic and ginger, tossed in a savory soy-sesame sauce for an easy Asian-inspired main. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, vegetable oil, finely minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 210 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 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer and stir-fry for 2 minutes until pink on one side.
  2. Step 2: Flip the shrimp, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Continue stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are cooked through and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss everything together and cook for another 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger in Soy-Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 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 Ginger in Soy-Sesame 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 Ginger in Soy-Sesame 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 Ginger in Soy-Sesame 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 Ginger in Soy-Sesame 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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